A Historic Legacy of Theological Awakening
Begin your exploration of intellectual and spiritual enrichment as you embark on a journey through the hallowed corridors of theological education at Allen University's prestigious Dickerson-Green Seminary. With roots stretching back to 1880 through our esteemed Dickerson Seminary, we boast a rich legacy that has illuminated the hearts and minds of countless students for well over a century.
As an integral pillar of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church of South Carolina, our storied institution has been a beacon of spiritual and intellectual nourishment, offering both non-credit enrichment opportunities for clergy members within the AME denomination and an undergraduate program open to all seekers of theological wisdom. Today, we are pleased to announce an extraordinary chapter in our enduring commitment to faith and learning, marked by the expansion into graduate-level theological studies. This monumental development will be housed under the distinguished banner of Dickerson-Green Seminary.
In doing so, we not only honor the historic Dickerson name but also pay homage to the spiritual leadership and legacy of the presiding prelate of the 7th District, Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. Our graduate seminary program is designed as a living tribute to both these towering figures, marrying the past with the present, as we look toward a future teeming with endless possibilities for scholarly research, spiritual growth, and community impact. With Dickerson-Green Seminary, Allen University invites you to be part of a theological lineage that is both timeless and timely, traditional yet transformative. Here at Dickerson-Green, you will find an education and an awakening.
About
Dickerson-Green Theological Seminary’s (DGTS) mission is to provide a high-quality graduate theological education. The program equips graduates to engage in Christian congregational life and other settings in which the expectation is to think theologically and minister to the spiritual, social, and physical development of all people within a Christian spiritual context. The program aims to ecumenically prepare those who qualify and desire to extend the transformational love of Jesus Christ via the empowerment of education and Christian spiritual formation.
Allen University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees. Allen University may also offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Allen University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500 or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website: www.sacscoc.org.
Dickerson-Green Theological Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS).
This accreditation signifies that Dickerson-Green Theological Seminary meets the standards of quality in theological education as set by ATS.
The Board of Commissioners met in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on June 3-4, 2024, and included on its agenda Dickerson-Green Theological Seminary of Allen University’s comprehensive visit for initial accreditation, along with the resulting evaluation committee report.
After reviewing the information in light of the pertinent Commission Standards and Policies and Procedures, the Board voted:
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To grant the school initial accreditation for seven years, beginning March 07th, 2024, and continuing until July 31st, 2031, with the next comprehensive evaluation visit in spring 2031.
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To approve the following educational offerings:
a. Degree programs:
Master of Divinity
Master of Arts in Religious Studies
Doctor of Ministry
b. Distance education: Comprehensive
c. Additional locations: None
The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada at:
Address: 10 Summit Park Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Telephone: 412-788-6505
Fax: 412-788-6510
Website: www.ats.edu
Core Faculty & Leadership
Daniel T. Hembree, Ph.D.
Dean, Dickerson-Green Theological Seminary
Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology
Terminal Degree: Ph.D. in Religion, Society, and Personality, Northwestern University
Certificates: Graduate Certificate in African Studies, Northwestern University
Theological Degree: Master of Divinity, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Office Phone: 803-376-5718
Email: dhembree@allenuniversity.edu
Dr. Daniel T. Hembree serves as the Dean of Dickerson-Green Theological Seminary and as an Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology, Care, and Counseling. His scholarly inquiry explores the anthropological, psychological, and theological dimensions of traditional African religious thought and culture, specifically evaluating their efficacy in pastoral contexts within the African American community.
Amenti Sujai,
Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Church History
Terminal Degree: Ph.D. in Religion, Society, and Personality, Northwestern University
Theological Degree: Master of Theological Studies, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Office Phone: 803-376-5834
Email: asujai@allenuniversity.edu
Dr. Amenti Sujai is an Associate Professor of Church History at Dickerson-Green Theological Seminary, bringing extensive academic and administrative experience from her tenure as an Associate Professor at Claflin University. Her research navigates Church history, contemplative spirituality, and mysticism in the Sufi tradition.
Alonzo Johnson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Systematic Theology
Terminal Degree: Ph.D. in Systematic Theology, Union Theological Seminary
Theological Degree: Master of Divinity, Union Theological Seminary
Advanced Degree: STM, Union Theological Seminary
Office Phone: 803-376-5838
Email: ajohnson@allenuniversity.edu
Dr. Alonzo Johnson serves as an Associate Professor of Theology, specializing in systematic theology, theological anthropology, and ethics. His scholarly work investigates Holiness-Pentecostalism, African American theology, and Afro-Caribbean Christian traditions.
DR. SANTARVIS BROWN
Adjunct Professor of Dickerson-Green
Terminal Degree: Doctor of Education
California Coast University
Master of Divinity
Payne Theological Seminary
ADJUNCT FACULTY
DR. HAROLD BENNETT
Adjunct Professor of Dickerson-Green
Terminal Degree: Ph.D.
Vanderbilt University
Master of Arts
Vanderbilt University
Master of Divinity
Interdenominational Theological Center
DR. ANTHONY G. MAJORS
Adjunct Professor of Dickerson-Green
Terminal Degree: Doctor of Ministry
Gateway Seminary
Master of Divinity
Fuller Theological Seminary