The Howard University School of Divinity has named Tarsha W. Banister as the executive director of Wisdom Keepers, Hope Seekers (WKHS), a new consortium of seven historically Black theological institutions that aims to prepare and sustain pastoral leaders for Christian congregations. In addition to Howard’s School of Divinity, the collaborative initiative includes the Hampton University School of Religion in Virginia, Hood Theological Seminary in North Carolina, the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Payne Theological Seminary in Ohio, the Virginia Union University Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, and the Shaw University School of Divinity in North Carolina.
Launched with a $10 million grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc., WKHS aims to enroll more than 500 students and emerging leaders in a new faith leadership pipeline, train 300 pastors and congregational leaders in digital ministry, and equip 500 practicing pastors with wellness, financial literacy, and organizational leadership resources over the next five years. Under Dr. Banister’s leadership, the partnering institutions will share faculty expertise and technology, create coordinated student opportunities, and facilitate collective fundraising campaigns.
“My vision for Wisdom Keepers, Hope Seekers is to build a strong and sustainable network among historically Black theological institutions — one that honors their legacy while preparing them to meet the evolving needs of students, churches, and communities,” said Dr. Banister. “I hope to translate the initiative’s vision into meaningful action by strengthening institutional capacity, expanding access to theological education, supporting student success, and creating opportunities for collaborative learning, scholarship, and leadership development.”
With over two decades of professional experience, Dr. Banister comes to Howard from the Faith COMPASS Center at the Wake Forest University School of Divinity in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. As the center’s faith and health education director, she advised executive leadership, healthcare systems, and faith communities on grant-funding programming in public health preparedness and equity. Earlier in her career, Dr. Banister was the medical program director at the Old North State Medical Society in North Carolina.
Dr. Banister is a graduate of North Carolina Central University. She holds a master’s degree in early childhood studies and adult education from Walden University, a master of divinity degree from Wake Forest University, and a doctor of ministry degree from the Duke University Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina.
