Shaylyn Cothron’s journey through the Institute for Black Catholic Studies (IBCS) at 91Թ is a testament to the profound connection between faith, culture, and academic pursuit. As a rising senior majoring in chemistry with minors in biology and theology, Cothron is forging a path that intertwines her spiritual beliefs with her academic aspirations at a Black Catholic institution like Xavier.
The IBCS’s Master of Theology Program at Xavier is not just any graduate theology program; it is the only one in the Western hemisphere taught from a Black Catholic perspective. Since its establishment in 1980, the program has offered interdisciplinary courses emphasizing Black approaches, critiques, and contributions to systematic and pastoral theologies, youth and pastoral ministry, aesthetics, philosophy, and education. The program is designed to form students who are not only theologically astute but also culturally competent to serve as ministers, whether ordained, religious or lay, within the Black community and the Church at large.
Cothron’s experience at Xavier is enriched by the unique environment of the IBCS program, where academic rigor meets spiritual depth in the context of prayer, worship, and community life. The program attracts those seeking a degree and draws transient graduate students and ministers who wish to deepen their understanding of culture and faith through the lens of Black Catholic traditions. This exploration of Black Catholic theology offers Cothron a meaningful connection to her faith and the broader Pan-African world.
"Coming into Xavier, I had the option between a full ride and a stipend with guaranteed admission to medical school at my state school, the University of Louisville, or a full ride at Xavier,” Xavier was my dream school, so I wanted to come here. I remember when I told my aunt, she said, 'That's God,.'" said Cothron and this realization marked a turning point."I never had even considered at that point in time that me getting the opportunity to go to Xavier on a full ride was because of some higher deity."
Beyond her academic achievements, Cothron is actively involved in campus ministry, further deepening her connection to her faith. She is also a Fall 2023 initiate of the Epsilon Tau chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she is committed to service and sisterhood. In addition, Cothron serves as the Grand Lady of the Knights of Peter Claver, demonstrating her leadership and dedication to her community.
Cothron's journey through the IBCS program is an academic pursuit and spiritual awakening, one that has connected her more deeply to her heritage, faith and future. As she continues to explore the rich traditions of Black Catholic theology, she is paving the way for a new generation of culturally rooted and theologically profound leaders.