HUSD Updates

Dear Howard University Community, 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Tarsha W. Banister, D.Min., as executive director of Wisdom Keepers, Hope Seekers.

Led by the Howard University School of Divinity in partnership with six other historically Black theological institutions, Wisdom Keepers, Hope Seekers reflects our longstanding leadership in Black theological education and our enduring commitment to forming justice-centered faith leaders.  

Supported by a five-year, $10 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Pathways for Tomorrow program, the initiative will strengthen pastoral leadership through collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

For more than 156 years, the Howard University School of Divinity has prepared leaders through intellectual rigor, a passion for justice and freedom, and a relentless search for truth. Rooted in Howard's legacy and inspired by Howard Thurman's vision of the Beloved Community, Wisdom Keepers, Hope Seekers will extend that mission by preparing and strengthening the next generation of faith leaders. 

Rev. Banister is exceptionally well prepared to lead that work. She brings more than 20 years of experience directing federally funded initiatives that strengthen public systems and improve community outcomes. Most recently, she served as Faith & Health Education Director at the Faith COMPASS Center at Wake Forest University School of Divinity, where she led grant-funded initiatives focused on public health preparedness and equity while building partnerships among healthcare systems, faith communities, and civic organizations. 

As executive director, Rev. Banister will lead this historic seven-institution collaborative to strengthen pastoral leadership, expand opportunities for students and clergy, and advance Howard University's role as a national convener in Black theological education. 

Please join me in congratulating Rev. Banister on this important appointment. I look forward to the impact she will make as she advances this significant initiative in service to the University, faith communities, and the future of Black theological education. 

In Truth and Service, 

Kenyatta Gilbert, Ph.D. 

Dean & Professor of Homiletics 

Howard University School of Divinity