The Interdenominational Theological Center, a historically Black institution in Atlanta, Georgia, has selected alumnus Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. to serve as interim president.
The Interdenominational Theological Center is a consortium of historically Black Christian seminaries in Atlanta, offering graduate degrees in divinity and religious education. According to the most recent U.S. Department of Education data from 2022, the school enrolls about 200 students, 96 percent of whom are Black.
Dr. Mason brings over 35 years of experience in education to his new role, including a significant background in HBCU academics. He previously served as dean of library and museum services at Voorhees College in Denmark, South Carolina, where he taught as an assistant professor of African American history and religion. He also spent time with Atlanta-based Morehouse College and Morris Brown College, serving as a professor of history, college archivist, director and dean of students, and vice president of student services. For his lifetime of service in higher education, he was inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation in 2023.
In addition to his academic roles, Dr. Mason has held several leadership roles with various professional organizations, including three years as the general president of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He has served on the board of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Foundation and the Atlanta Beltline Partnership Board. Currently, he serves as the senior pastor of the Historic West Mitchell Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Atlanta.
Throughout his career, Dr. Mason has authored several publications including African-American Life in Dekalb County: 1823-1970 (Arcadia Publishing Library Editions, 1998).
“I am committed to continuing the mission of this beloved institution, standing on the shoulders of the trailblazing faculty who have shaped us into prophetic problem solvers,” said Dr. Mason. “As interim president, my desire is to see, listen, embrace, plan, act, and most importantly, pray with our community as we journey together towards a future filled with promise.”
Dr. Mason earned his bachelor’s degree from Morris Brown College and his master’s degree in library and information science with a concentration in African American studies from Clark Atlanta University. He received his master of divinty degree and doctor of ministry degree in African American church, history, social justice, and outreach from the Interdenominational Theological Center.
