Turner Theological Seminary (TTS), a constituent seminary of the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), celebrated a historic 128th Founders’ Observance on February 7–8, 2022, at Flipper Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC). It was a reflective gathering of alumni and supporters alike –all facing the challenge of leading as prophetic problem-solvers during a time of great socio-economic and spiritual challenge to the church and its mean of preparing leaders for such.
On February 8th at 11 a.m., the Rev. Ammie L. Davis, Ph.D., ‘04, was vested as the 8th President-Dean of Turner Theological Seminary. She succeeds the Rev. Dr. John F. Green, presently Executive Director, Department of Global Witness and Ministry for the AMEC. President-Dean Davis made “herstory” as the first woman, and United States Navy Chaplain elected to this role at Turner. President-Dean Davis is a proud Turner alumna who has an earned Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Ecclesial Leadership. She is a retired United States Navy Chaplain and currently serves as the First Vice President for Connectional AMEC Women in Ministry (WIM). During the investiture, Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, ‘79, Chairman, Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees and Presiding Prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District, provided words of spiritual enrichment. In addition to Bishop Reginald Jackson, the following bishops participated in the Investiture and Installation Ceremony: Bishop Michael Mitchell, ‘86, 1st Vice-Chair, Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees; Bishop Harry L. Seawright, 2nd Vice-Chair, Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees; Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield, Presiding Prelate, Thirteenth Episcopal District; Bishop Stafford J. N. Wicker, ‘91, Presiding Prelate, Eighth Episcopal District, and Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath, Ecumenical Officer and Chaplains’ Endorsing Agent.
Dr. Davis extended words of gratitude to a capacity-filled sanctuary of supporters from the Eighth Episcopal District (her home district), Bishops, General Officers, Connectional Officers, AME WIM, Chaplains, Educational and Non-Profit leaders, Civilian and Military dignitaries, The ITC Faculty and Staff and others from across the connectional AME Church. She further presented four strategic thrusts for the future of theological education at Turner Theological Seminary: 1) Seminary Branding, 2) Student Recruitment, 3) Capital Campaign Fund Development, and 4) Alumni Retention and Support and Trustees Recruitment. Dr. Davis also introduced the incoming Turner #ELEV8TTS Transition Team of professional experts, theologians, and scholars led by Reverend Valdes Snipes, Ph.D.
