The Lincolnian

Issue date: 11/5/07 Section: Religion

Media Credit: File Photo

Dr. Valerie Tate Green, who currently serves as University Chaplain at Lincoln University, was recently honored by the First African Baptist Church of Philadelphia as the recipient of the annual Bivins Heritage Award.

"I never imagined the call that God had placed upon my life and me answering the call may lead me to establishing history," said Green, adding that she was "mesmerized and in awe" at receiving the award.

The prestigious annual Bivins Heritage Award acknowledges those who possess great pioneer spiritual leadership and sacrifice in their work and ministry. Green is recognized as a trail-blazer in the Christian community, becoming the first woman chaplain at the first Historically Black College in America.

As the first woman chaplain at Lincoln, Green, who joined the university in 2002, is making history.

Reverend Terrence D. Griffith, the pastor of the First African Baptist Church of Philadelphia, visited Lincoln to consider Green for the Bivins Heritage Award.

Over the past five years as chaplain, Green's leadership has undeniably impacted the excellent improvements in the chapel.

After joining the Lincoln community there was an "anxiety from the students" and they were unsure of "how to interact and respond to a woman in leadership," said Green. She also experienced intimidation from male clergy that she would meet as well as female students who were accustomed to male ministers.

"I was literally shocked that a female was selected as chaplain, pleasantly shocked," said Dr. Gladys J. Willis, dean of the School of Humanities at Lincoln.

Yet, despite the pressures as the first woman chaplain, Green has "graciously carried on issues of spirituality and helps students to get in contact with their own spiritual self," said Willis, who is also an ordained preacher.

Green balances her teaching with a relaxed atmosphere where students feel comfortable being able to talk to her. She followed in the footsteps of Dr. C. Matthew Hudson who "ran the chapel as a church," said Willis.

Willis said that she has been impressed so far by Green's initiative.

"She is open to religious diversity, willing to be inclusive and respects other communities of faith, yet is committed to her own Christian faith," said Willis, who added that Lincoln should be applauded for "bringing a woman into a traditionally male dominating role," Willis said.

For her part, Green believes that its important that students find the space on campus to strengthen their religious beliefs.

"The chapel is no longer seen as super religious and is now being seen as a fellowship, spiritually and recreationally," said Green, adding that the chapel now has more systematic programs, weekly meetings, and various organizations. "It is a multipurpose facility," said Green.


The annual Bivins Heritage Award has been given to some of the nation's most prolific preachers like the Rev. Gardner C. Taylor, Dr. Edward Jones-Smith, James McJunkin, Rev. Wendell J. Mapson, and Rev. Dr. William B. Moore.

Green has now been added to that distinguished list of religious leaders.

"I feel blessed to become a trail-blazer at the first historical black college and to have the opportunity at a traditional occupation typically filled by men ministers," said Green.

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