Jesse C. Swanigan Scholars
The Swanigan Scholars program is a one year, educational fellowship program designed to nurture and support women and men of color in order that they might obtain mid-council executive leadership education in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
All costs associated with the program will be covered by the Synod of Mid-America.
The Swanigan Scholars program is named for Ruling Elder Jesse C. Swanigan, longtime commissioner to the SoMA from the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy. In 2014, Mr. Swanigan served the SoMA as it's Moderator. Mr. Swanigan has also served the broader church as President and Treasurer of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus.
2024-2025 Program Details
The first session was October 29-31, 2024 at the Mercy Conference and Retreat Center in St. Louis, MO.
The second session was April 21-23, 2025 at Bon Secours Retreat and Conference Center, in Marriottsville, MD.
The final session will be December 8-11, 2025 at the Mercy Conference and Retreat Center in St. Louis, MO.
Core Topics: Identity of a Leader, Identifying Systems and Culture, Developing a Theology and Praxis of Leadership, Catalyzing and Managing Change
faculty
Rev. Dr. Craig Howard, Executive Presbyter, Chicago Presbytery
Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Taylor, General Presbyter, Baltimore Presbytery
Rev. Dr. Flo Barbee-Watkins, Lead Presbyter for Vision and Collaboration, Presbytery of the James