President's Page

Dr. Vodricka Epps, President

The Rev. Dr. Vodricka L. Epps is a distinguished leader, educator, and servant of God, with an impressive career in both ministry and military service. Since joining the faculty of Tabernacle Divinity School in 2017, Dr. Epps has become a respected instructor in Old Testament, New Testament, Christian Ethics, and Homiletics. He has served in various leadership roles, including Instructor, Dean, and currently, President of the school.

Dr. Epps is a lifelong learner, deeply committed to both intellectual and spiritual growth. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion with Honors from American Military University, a Master of Divinity, and a Master of Arts in Christian Education from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. His academic journey culminated in a Doctor of Ministry in Expository Preaching from Liberty University.

In addition to his academic duties, Dr. Epps serves as the Pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist Church. In February 2018, he was appointed as an Independent Certified Coach, Teacher, Trainer, and Speaker with The John Maxwell Team and subsequently founded Eppic Enterprises LLC, a leadership development corporation. His leadership expertise is widely recognized, leading to his appointments as President of Tabernacle Divinity School, President of the Clergy Division of the Bethany Baptist Association, and Vice President of the Hopewell Police Foundation. He also served as President of the Hopewell Branch 7078 NAACP from October 2020 to January 2023.

Dr. Epps is known for his generosity and dedication to ministry, with a steadfast commitment to making the Word of God relevant and transformative in the lives of believers. His favorite Scripture, 1 Corinthians 1:9, reflects his unwavering faith in God's faithfulness: "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."

Dr. Norwood G. Carson, Founder

Dr. Norwood G. Carson has been an integral member of the Tabernacle Divinity School faculty since its establishment in 2004. He is a distinguished instructor of Homiletics, Christian Counseling, and advanced biblical studies. Dr. Carson has served in multiple leadership roles, including Dean, Registrar, President, and currently, Treasurer.

He holds a Doctorate in Theology from Drew Theological University, a Master of Arts in Christian Education from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Philosophy from Virginia Union University.

Beyond his academic duties, Dr. Carson is the Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church (Hopewell) and actively engages in community service. He serves on the board of Big Brothers/Big Sisters and participates in the Organization of Concerned Churches and Citizens, Bethany Baptist Association, Baptist General Convention of Virginia, and the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.

Dr. Carson’s excellence in education has been recognized by “Who’s Who Among Professional Educators” in 2005-2006 and 2014-2015. He adheres to Marvin Taylor’s motto: “I am first, last, and always an educator, demonstrating by Christian living what is the Christian life.”