July 2024 Congratulatory Announcements
*Johnny Lewis Nash, Jr. received Doctoral Degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, MD
The Bruce and Nash families are blessed to announce that Johnny Lewis Nash, Jr. received his Doctoral Degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, MD, during the Spring Commencement on May 21, 2024. His academic credentials also include a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida. He is committed to being fully prepared to meet the needs and challenges of educating young people today.
Dr. Nash is a principal with over two decades of administrative experience, predominantly at the secondary level. His extensive background encompasses the development, management, and evaluation of programs and interventions tailored to students across the entire spectrum of academic readiness. His leadership roles have included serving as both past president and board member of the Florida Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. During his career, Dr. Nash was honored with the “Spirit of Excellence Principal Award,” which is given to one principal annually for outstanding improvement in the academic performance of English as a Second Language students. Additionally, he was recognized as an “Emerging Leader” by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. During the 2022-2023 academic year, his school achieved national certification and recognition by Magnet Schools of America. As a result of his dedication to his school’s community, he received Citations from Senator Pam Beidle, Delegate Gary Simmons, and the Anne Arundel County Council. He is married to Yolanda Bruce Nash, Esq., daughter of the late Dr. Yale Benjamin Bruce, Sr. and Mrs. Gloria S. Bruce who served the Connectional AME Church as Director, Worship and Evangelism 1985 -1992. Attorney Nash serves as Federal Counsel in Washington, DC.
*Reverend Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine Delivers International Lecture in Heidelberg, Germany
.jpg)
Congratulations to the Reverend Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine, senior pastor of St. Joseph AME Church (Durham, NC) and member of the AME Church's Judicial Council, for having delivered an international lecture at the University of Heidelberg, on June 22, 2024.
From June 21-23, the University of Heidelberg hosted a symposium, "Preaching Christ in Word and Truth," to honor retiring homiletics professor, Dr. Hulmut Schwier. Presenters came from across Europe and South Africa, with Dr. Augustine invited from the United States. His lecture, "And How Can They Hear Without a Preacher?: Prophetic Leadership and Preaching with the Bible in One Hand and Newspaper in the Other," was based on a forthcoming book chapter, of the same name, that will be published along with scholarly offerings from the other academics who participated in the conference.
Dr. Augustine's most recent book, When Prophets Preach: Leadership and the Politics of the Pulpit (Fortress Press, 2023) and his 2024 article, "Who's Searching for the Soul of Black Preaching? History Proves It's Never Been Lost," published by Princeton Theological Seminary's Theology Today, provided the foundation for the book chapter and presentation, along with his book, Called to Reconciliation: How the Church Can Model Justice, Diversity, and Inclusion (Baker Academic, 2022).
In addition to his pastoral service at St. Joseph, Dr. Augustine also teaches courses at Duke Divinity School and the newly-formed Hampton University School of Religion. He is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., silver life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and active member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity.
*Rev. Tarkington builds relationship between the Ronald McDonald house and the Gospel Music Workshop Of America Inc
Congratulations to Rev LeSean Tarkington on fostering the official partnership with The Ronald McDonald House and the Gospel Music Workshop Of America GMWA! It's commendable to see his dedication to building relationships across the country through the chapters represented by these organizations.
Not only is Rev LeSean Tarkington the pastor of the Allen St. John AME Church in Kansas City, 5th Episcopal District under the leadership of Bishop Fugh Prelate, but he also serves as an auxiliary board member of the Gospel Music Workshop Of America and the Evangelism Chair (Connectional Officer) in the Richard Allen Young Adult Council. His involvement in various roles demonstrates his commitment to both spiritual leadership and community engagement.
*A.M.E Church Member selected 10th President of Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
It is with exceedingly great joy, and a humble spirit, that Deaconess Mary E. Brown (PK) of the 4th Episcopal District, and a member of Greater Institutional A.M.E. Church, announces the appointment of her son Ret. Major Gen. Dr. Mark Anthony Brown '86, as the university's 10th President and chief executive officer. Dr. Brown's selection is the first time of Tuskegee University's nearly 143-year history that an alum will lead the university.
Dr. Brown was born and raised with deep roots in the A.M.E Church, and continues his service as a member. Dr. Brown is the grandson of the late Rev. David Brown, and Evang. Essie Birchem Brown. Rev. Brown, served 52 years as an itinerate Pastor in the 6th Episcopal District, and his grandmother, was a devoted Evangelist, and Missionary, who nurtured him during his early childhood.
Dr. Brown began his tenure at Tuskegee University on July 1, 2024. He resides in Alexandria, Va, with his wife Gwen, and their two adult sons Mark and Michael, where they are members of Metropolitan A.M.E Church, under the leadership of Pastor, Rev. William (Bill) LaMar, Washington, DC.
Dr. Brown and his family request the prayers, and support of our great Zion, that he will be able to continue the legacy of moving this great institution to higher heights during this 21st century. God has done great things for us!
Meet the 10th President of Tuskegee University,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU9srA7yT5I.
On behalf of Social Action Commission Chair, Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield and Dr. Jacquelyn DuPont-Walker, Director/ Consultant Social Action Commission, we extend congratulations as you praise God for the Joy of these significant milestones reached.
God Bless!
Ora L. Easley
