Jimmie Hawkins, M.A.’86, Recognized as 2024 UPSem Distinguished Alum

Jimmie Hawkins

Richmond, VA (March 8, 2024)—As a communicator, Jimmie Hawkins is known for his advocacy and winsomeness. He leads the Office of Public Witness for the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations, and has served as a resource to numerous committees within the Presbyterian church at all levels.

“General Assembly (GA) policy of the Presbyterian Church (USA) is built on both theological and biblical traditions,” according to Hawkins. He also emphasizes that advocacy is part of a faith walk, especially in issues surrounding justice.

Hawkins is currently serving as an adjunct faculty member of UPSem for a course on Community Engaged Discipleship. He also has served three terms on the Seminary’s Board of Trustees. In 2022, his book, Unbroken and Unbowed: A History of Black Protest in America, was published by Westminster John Knox Press.

A graduate of the Presbyterian School of Christian Education (now UPSem) with a Master of Arts degree in 1986, Hawkins earned a Master of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center/Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary (Atlanta, GA).

Hawkins has served for 24 years as an ordained pastor of congregations in Martinsville, VA and Durham, NC. Beyond the Presbyterian church, his service has included:

  • Global Church World Service Board, Treasurer
  • National Council of Churches, Executive Committee
  • NC NAACP, Executive Committee
  • Leader in the Moral Monday and Poor People’s Campaign Movements

In conjunction with the 2024 Sprunt Lectures, Hawkins will be recognized as Union Presbyterian Seminary’s Distinguished Alum for 2024. His recognition on May 8 will occur at 10:00 a.m. on the Richmond Campus of UPSem.

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Contact: Barb Dodd
Director of Communications
bdodd@upsem.edu
(804) 278-4279 direct