Introducing Our New Students

By Michelle Walker, vice president of community life and enrollment management

The incoming class of 2017 includes five African American students. They are an interesting group of people: two are second career and three are just beginning their journeys. One is from New York by way of Michigan and everyone else is from the south. Two come to us from First Baptist Church in Hampton. Instead of giving you generalities, let me introduce you to each of them.

Al Johnson is a retired fire marshal. He could tell you how to set a fire and get away with it, but he won’t. He’s a member of First Baptist Church, Hampton, where he has served as a walking deacon—visiting the sick and shut-in and bringing them monthly communion. He and his wife, Caryl, teach financial freedom strategies at the church. He was drawn to UPSem because of the diversity of cultural and ecumenical experiences. He has been delighted by the open community involvement, especially our partnership with Shalom Farms.

Jillian Lincoln came from the farthest away to attend UPSem—she’s originally from Michigan and was living in New York when she was accepted. Jillian is pursuing the dual degree and finds herself drawn to youth ministry. She has already worked with Young Life and has led high school groups at her non-denominational home church. Jillian chose UPSem because of its championing of diversity within the school and community. She has come to particularly appreciate the advocacy and love of community and the opportunity to serve the greater Richmond area.

Joaquin Ross came to UPSem straight from Presbyterian College, where he was not only a leader in the Religion Department but a leader on the football field. Joaquin is a member of the AME church in Covington Georgia. He chose our seminary in part because our alum, the Rev. Dr. Rebecca Davis, was his advisor and talked up the wonderful professors and in part because he was drawn to the city of Richmond. He is the new moderator of the Black Caucus and appreciates the community that is built on campus.

Devinn Smart is also a member of First Baptist Church, Hampton, where he served as Youth and Young Adult Minister. Devinn is also pursuing a dual degree. His ultimate ministry goal is to be the chaplain to the United States Senate! He believes the education he is receiving at UPSem will prepare him for that role.

Bessie Taliaferro is, like Al, a second career student having retired from her years as an office professional. Bessie lives at Westminster Canterbury, a local senior community, where she leads regular Bible study. That experience led her to follow a life-long dream of becoming a Christian educator. She appreciates the diversity of denominations on campus, as she herself attends First Baptist, Richmond. She feels supported by the entire community as if UPSem has become one big family.