About the Host
ABC President Forrest E. Harris, Sr.
Dr. Forrest E. Harris, Sr., President of American Baptist College in Nashville, TN, is nationally recognized as one of the most progressive scholars, theological educators and visionaries for prophetic Christianity in the Black Church tradition. When he became president in 1999, ABC was a fledging Black college with a great history and significant academic mission. Since then, Dr. Harris has spearheaded transformative changes in academic programs, including the launch of the school’s first graduate studies program—a Master’s Degree program in clinical counseling for church and community leaders. He has led the College in achieving official recognition as a Historically Black College and in a capital campaign resulting in a significant increase in the endowment and gifts from foundations, donors and churches totaling over $10 million dollars.
In addition to several journal articles, Dr. Harris is author of the book, Ministry for Social Crisis: Theology and Praxis in the Black Church Tradition, published by Mercer University Press. In addition, he authored several essays receiving national acclaim. Dr. Harris holds a B.A. degree from Knoxville College, a Bachelor of Theology (Th.B.) degree from American Baptist College, and Master of Divinity (M. Div.) and Doctor of Ministry (D. Min.) degrees from Vanderbilt University Divinity School, where he was a Benjamin E. Mays Fellow and recipient of the Florence Conwell prize for preaching. Over the past 30 years, as a former pastor, NAACP branch president, community leader, director of black church studies at a major university, respected preacher, teacher, and lecturer, Dr. Harris has made a significant contribution to the academy and the church.
Dr. Harris is host of The Plumbline, the American Baptist College talk program.
