Robert D. and Barbara H. Whitten Endowed Lecture Series
About
The Robert D. and Barbara H. Whitten Endowed Lecture Series was established in 2018 by the Rev. Dr. Robert D. and Barbara H. Whitten of Springfield, Virginia to provide a lecture series focused on Expression of Christian Faith intersecting the Public Square. The Whittens are graduates of Baylor (Dr. Whitten, ‘55 and Barbara, ‘56). Dr. Whitten earned his Ph.D. under Henlee Barnette at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (1964) after which he became the pastor at Westwood Baptist Church (affiliated with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship) for 35 years. Dr. Whitten also worked as a Behavioral Therapist and Senior Therapist at the Pastoral Counseling of Northern Virginia until he retired in 2016. Barbara is a retired social worker in the public school system. The Whittens are pleased about the opportunity to further expand the discussion of Christian Faith.
2025 -- Awet Andemicael
Awet Andemicael is Associate Dean for Marquand Chapel and Lecturer in Theology at the Yale Institute for Sacred Music and Yale Divinity School. Her theological research focuses on constructive engagement with early Christian thought, especially that of Irenaeus of Lyon, and the field of music and theology. As an award-winning concert soprano, she has sung across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Her lecture is titled, "Instrument of God".
2024 -- Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II
Bishop William J. Barber II, D.Min., is a Professor in the Practice of Public Theology and Public Policy and Founding Director of the Center for Public Theology and Public Policy at Yale Divinity School. He serves as President and Senior Lecturer of Repairers of the Breach, Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call For Moral Revival, Bishop with The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, and has been Pastor of Greenleaf Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Goldsboro, NC, for the past 29 years.
2023 -- Dr. Bill Leonard
The Department of Religion is proud to host Dr. Bill Leonard as the speaker for the 2023 Robert D. and Barbara H. Whitten Endowed Lecture Series. Dr. Leonard will speak on "Fundamentalizing Faith, Co-Opting Culture: Confronting Evangelical Enigmas." He is founding Dean and Professor Emeritus of Wake Forest Divinity School (1999-2018).
Learn more about Dr. Bill Leonard.
Inaugural Lecture - March 29, 2022
The Department of Religion proudly to host Rev. Dr. Kenyatta Gilbert as the speaker at the inaugural Robert D. and Barbara H. Whitten Endowed Lecture Series. Rev. Dr. Kenyatta Gilbert will speak on "Proclaiming the (Kin)dom: The End of Methodological Imperialism and the Emergence of the Preacher-Sage." He is a professor of homiletics at Howard University School of Divinity. He earned his M.Div. and Ph.D. in practical theology (homiletics) from Princeton Theological Seminary, has authored four books, and founded The Preaching Project in 2011. Rev. Dr. Gilbert is a nationally recognized expert on African American preaching.