Celebrate Clinton College’s First Certificate in Ministry Studies Graduates

In the Fall of 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Presiding Elder of New York City District, Rev. Dr. A. Alfred Carson, Rev. Dr. Marvin Hooks, and Rev. Dr. Quavon Newton, began a collaboration with President Lester A. McCorn and members of his Cabinet on the idea of an accredited course of study for ministers in District Studies in the A.M.E. Zion Church.  Dr. Reginald Broadnax, the then Division Chair for Religious Studies, was also instrumental in identifying and designing the most relevant course of study for the program.  This collaboration gave birth to the first online program to enable ministers to take college-level courses, earn a certificate, and then use those credit hours towards an Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Religious Studies.

Two of the three students to be to complete all course requirements and earn the first-ever Certificate of Ministry Studies Degree from Clinton College came from the New York District of the North Eastern Episcopal District. They were Tamiko Coleman, an associate minister at St. Peter’s A.M.E. Zion Church and Derek Scott, an associate minister at Calvary A.M.E. Zion Church.  On Saturday, October 28th Dr. McLamb presented them with their Certificate during the North Eastern Episcopal District’s combined Check-up Meeting at Cross Street A.M.E. Zion Church, Middletown, CT.  

As a result of the collaboration to start a Certificate in Ministry Studies Program for District ministers, Clinton College now also offers a Certificate in Pastoral Leadership and Development for ministers in Conference Studies and a Certificate in Educational Ministry for the Laity of the Church.  Additionally, Clinton College offers Associate and Bachelor Degrees in Religious Studies and Business Administration, an Associate Degree in Arts and Early Childhood as well as several additional certificates in Business.  All of these programs are fully online and taught by experienced college professors, several of whom are members of The A.M.E. Zion Church.  

For more information on all of Clinton College's online programs, go to clintoncollege.edu or contact Dr. Alvin McLamb at: amclamb@clintoncollege.edu or call (803) 909-8181.