Synod of Mid-America

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.

Program Details

The first session of the 2024-2025 cohort was held October 29-31 at the Mercy Conference and Retreat Center, 2039 N. Geyer Road, St. Louis, MO 63131.

There will be a gathering in the spring of 2025 and the fall of 2025. The dates and location will be determined by participants and faculty.

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