Filter Alumni
Master of Theological Studies, 2024
Dr. Karen Cole-Smith
On May 18, 2024, Dr. Cole-Smith received two degrees from Berkeley School of Theology: Master of Divinity and Master of Theological Studies! Dr. Cole-Smith stated that the best aspect of her experience at BST was that it promoted the scripture Micah 6:8 by providing diverse educational, spiritual, and community experiences that ensured that she would be successful in carrying out the mandates to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.” Dr. Cole-Smith was most recently the executive director of community outreach at Santa Fe College. Her prior education includes a bachelor’s degree in criminology and sociology from Bethune-Cookman University, master’s degree in sociology and criminology from Ohio State University and doctoral degree in sociology and criminology from the University of Florida.
Rev. Michael-Ray Mathews
Michael is president of the Alliance of Baptists and Deputy Director for Faith in Action, formerly PICO National Network, a national community organizing network that gives people of faith the tools that they need to fight for justice and work towards a more equitable society. Michael is a senior fellow at Auburn Seminary and affiliate faculty at BST.
Master of Community Leadership, 2011
Doctor of Ministry, 2024
Rev. Dr. Michael A. Smith
Michael has been Pastor of the McGee Avenue Baptist Church in Berkeley California for 18 years. In 2014, he became the founding Executive Director of The Center for Food, Faith & Justice which serves as a faith-based non-profit arm of the church as a lead organization dedicated to the issues of environmental and food justice, health equity and economic development. His DMin dissertation topic was The Black Earth Theology Project: Toward Reconciliation and Care of God’s Creation.
Rev. Dorothy Taliaferro Staples
Rev. Staples received her Master of Divinity Degree in 2005 and is celebrating her 20th graduation anniversary from Berkeley School of Theology. Rev. Staples was present at the February virtual alumni gathering, “Hope in Spiritual Care”, for the alumni graduation anniversaries segment where she acknowledged one of her influential professors, Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Sr., professor of Preaching and African American Spirituality. Upon graduation, Rev. Staples was the recipient of the L. Doward McBain Preaching prize for outstanding preacher in the graduating class of 2005. Rev. Staples completed her pastoral education at Sequoia Hospital, now Dignity Health, and then was Chaplain for ten years with the Veterans Affairs. She was also a faculty member of the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple Baptist Church. Rev. Staples thoroughly enjoyed the 1:1 spiritual care aspect that chaplaincy offered.
