The College is pleased to advise that two faculty members have recently published books. The two professors, Dr. Bassey Akpan, Associate Professor of Computer Science, and Dr. Edward J. Robinson, Associate Professor of History and Religion, each released new titles this spring.
Dr. Bassey Akpan
Dr. Bassey Akpan has recently published his new book, “Moral Principles of Biblical Giving & Financial Breakthrough: A Practical Approach to God's Covenant and Blessings.” The book introduces believers worldwide to the concept of serving God through giving with the resources He has bestowed upon us. Intended for application rather than theory, it is designed to remove anxiety and hesitation that may surround giving, and instead motivate and teach readers to rely on biblical principals and utilize giving as a specific instrument provided by God to benefit His children and aid those in need. In the book, giving is referred to as “planting a seed,” and the specific “seed” is money. Dr. Akpan thoroughly walks readers through the process of “planting seeds” and becoming successful “farmers,” in which this covenant is God's hammer for breaking through financial difficulties and providing a high-quality and plentiful “harvest.”
Dr. Edward J. Robinson
Dr. Edward J. Robinson has recently published a new book, "To Pave the Way for His People: A Life of Preston Taylor." This new release is a biography that discusses the life of Preston Taylor (1849-1931), one of the most powerful and prominent African Americans during the Progressive Era. With this book, Dr. Robinson continues his groundbreaking work on the crucial role of African American leaders and churches in the Stone-Campbell movement. Dr. Robinson recounts the story of a brilliant, powerful, and flawed leader whose influence extended from Nashville to the national stage and continues today. Taylor's organizational and business skills led to the creation of associations that gave both identity and agency to Black Disciples at a time when repressive laws and horrific prejudices made such action extremely difficult. Despite being born into chattel enslavement in Shreveport, Louisiana, Preston Taylor emerged as a powerful leader. Following his service for the Union Army, Taylor poured his efforts and energy into the railroad industry and higher education to uplift Black people in Kentucky. After toiling as a religious leader and educator in Kentucky, he relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, and established a cemetery and funeral home for African Americans, as well as led efforts to erect a recreational park, organized a bank (One Cent Savings Bank, now Citizens Savings and Loan), and established a university (Tennessee Agricultural & Industrial State Normal College, now Tennessee State University). In essence, Preston Taylor was a religious leader, community builder, and an adroit entrepreneur in Middle Tennessee and beyond.
