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.
2026-2027 Program Details
The first session will be November 4-6, 2026 at the Mercy Conference and Retreat Center in St. Louis, MO.
The second and third sessions will be determined based on participants schedules in the spring and fall of 2027.
Core Topics: Identity of a Leader, Identifying Systems and Culture, Developing a Theology and Praxis of Leadership, Catalyzing and Managing Change
faculty
Rev. Dr. Flo Barbee-Watkins, Lead Presbyter for Vision and Collaboration, Presbytery of the James
Rev. Dr. Craig Howard, Executive Presbyter, Chicago Presbytery
Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Taylor, General Presbyter, Baltimore Presbytery
Interested candidates please request an application at office@synodma.org.