Jan. 21, 2011
For Immediate Release
By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Campbellsville University will be celebrating African-American History Month with two speakers Feb. 2 and Feb. 15.
Both events are free and open to the public.
Dr. Johnnie Clark, former pastor of Burnett Avenue Baptist Church in Louisville, will speak at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2 for the university's regular weekly chapel service in Ransdell Chapel at 401 N. Hoskins Ave., Campbellsville.
Nashville dramatist Sherre Miller Bishop will perform “From the Motherland to the Promised Land” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, also in Ransdell Chapel.
“Campbellsville University is celebrating African American History Month with two excellent events. “Dr. Johnnie Clark has a powerful testimony and life story to share with those attending our February 2 chapel service. His life of service to the Lord and in community leadership is evidence of a true Christian servant leader. The presentation by Sherre Miller Bishop is a powerful dramatic monologue on the black experience in this country. Both events are well worth the time of the general public and CU faculty, staff and students,” John Chowning, vice president for church and external relations and executive assistant to the president, said.
Clark, a resident of Louisville, is an 11-year member of the CU Board of Trustees, and was the first African-American to join the CU Board of Trustees.
He received an Honorary Alumnus award from Campbellsville University in 2010.
Until recently, he was the pastor of Burnett Avenue Baptist Church.
He also serves as a trustee at Simmons College, formerly was the executive director of the Baptist Fellowship Center in Louisville, the oldest joint ministry of National Baptists and Southern Baptists in the nation.
Clark has been an active member and leader of the NAACP, Urban League, YMCA, and he is a veteran of the United States Army.
Clark has studied at institutions including Simmons College of Kentucky, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Postal Academy, and the American Management Academy.
“Dr. Clark is known for his humble spirit and for the word he speaks - when Johnnie Clark speaks, people listen and follow his leadership. His service on the CU Board of Trustees has been exemplary, and his being named an honorary alumnus of Campbellsville University reflects the esteem and respect he holds among the CU family,” Chowning said.
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Sherre Bishop Miller |
Bishop is an award-winning dramatist and is celebrated as an anointed and versatile performer and speaker, Chowning said.
She will be performing “From the Motherland to the Promise Land,” a performance that brings to life the African-American worship experience from slavery to today. The experience evokes various emotions-remembrances, tears, sorrow, laughter, pride and fond memories of the faith of African-Americans through trials and tribulations.
The drama is a spiritual, educational and rejuvenating experience, Chowning said.
Bishop's Christian drama ministry takes her across the United States sharing her gifts. Besides drama, her professional skill set includes public relations, media coordination and voice-over talent.
A news brief anchor and public affairs director at WB-channel 58 until 1999, her extensive background in television and radio news reporting includes stints in Milwaukee, Raleigh, Memphis and Nashville, and well as a local stringer for the Washington-based BET News.
She holds a bachelor's degree in speech communications, a master's in English from Tennessee State University, and graduated magna cum laude from American Baptist College with a Th.B. in Bible theology.
“Mrs. Bishop is a member of Toastmasters, Nashville chapter, and is a sought after speaker, orator and performer,” Chowning said.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with over 3,000 students offering 63 undergraduate programs, 17 master's degrees and five postgraduate areas. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.
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