Tryce Prince, Executive Director of the Carl Spain Center

Tryce Prince is a 2018 graduate of ACU, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology. Tryce is currently a Ph.D. Candidate in Sociology at the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC), where he studies how race shapes individual experiences and religious communities. He is the co-author of “Religion and Race: A Double-Edged Sword,” which appears in Religion Matters: What Sociology Teaches Us About Religion In Our World. In his studies at UIC, Tryce has been advised by and worked alongside Dr. Michael O. Emerson, author of Divided By Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America. He is also a Center for the Study of Religion and Society Affiliate at the University of Notre Dame (2024-25), where he has served as a consultant on research projects directed by Dr. Kraig Beyerlein and Dr. Christian Smith. Tryce, his wife Erin, and their three daughters currently live in Chicago, IL as he works towards the completion of his doctoral program.

Email: tdp15a@acu.edu

Curtis King
Funding Consultant

Having grown up in the Mississippi Delta in the 60’s and 70’s, Dr. King’s declaration of Sunday mornings at 11 o’clock as “the most segregated hour in America” resonates with me. I began my journey toward racial reconciliation among Churches of Christ when I served as the coordinator for the 2011 and 2013 National Freedom in Christ Conferences, both convened by Dr. Jerry Taylor, who subsequently founded the Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action. I am a front row witness to the value of the Spain Center’s work as I have seen how God uses it to transform lives and create new possibilities for racial unity. It is truly an honor to serve as the Spain Center’s funding consultant and to assist with resourcing the organization’s vision.

Email: advancement@carlspaincenter.org

Ohyandis Mentroe
Research Intern

Ohyandis Mentroe is a Liberian and an International Scholar majoring in Finance at Abilene Christian University. He is also an intended student of international law and international business law, and by extension, a student of international relations. Ohyandis is a research intern at the Carl Spain Center, and currently working on a presentation on The Education of the Negro Prior to 1861 and the connections between Liberia and the African-American community.

I have always been a lover of history and one who believes that human nature cannot be cataloged. I believe that God created all things very wonderfully and all men very equally. I’m thankful beyond measure to have come to know the Carl Spain Center through the mentorship of Dr. Jerry Taylor, and I’m exceedingly glad to be a part of the wonderful work CSC is doing throughout the United States and the world at large.

Dr. Jerry Taylor 
Founding Director Emeritus

With a passion for promoting racial understanding and spiritual action, Dr. Taylor founded the Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action. He served as the Founding Executive Director from 2018-2024 before passing the baton of leadership to Tryce Prince.

Dr. Taylor’s educational journey began in 1984 when he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies from Southwestern Christian College, located in Terrell, Texas. Eager to further his knowledge and effectiveness, he pursued higher education at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. In 1988, he earned a Master of Divinity degree, followed by a Doctor of Ministry degree in 1995.

Dr. Taylor frequently travels to college campuses, national conferences, and retreats where he shares his expertise and wisdom. His reach extends not only across the United States but also internationally, as he conducts seminars and conferences on various topics.

As an author, Dr. Taylor penned the book titled “Courageous Compassion,” which explores the power of compassion in our lives and the transformative impact it can have on society.

In his former role as the Founding Director of the Carl Spain Center , Dr. Taylor played a pivotal role in organizing several significant events. These include the Racial Unity Leadership Summits, The African American Leadership Summits, National Spiritual Think Tanks, The Racial Healing of America Revival and Bus Tour, and Spiritual Retreats for Leaders across the country. Through these initiatives, he worked to foster racial unity, inspire leadership, and promote spiritual growth among individuals and communities.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Dr. Taylor is happily married to Patricia (Bowden) Taylor, formerly of Houston, Texas. Their enduring union spans over three decades. Since December 2002, the Taylor family has made Abilene, Texas their base of operations and ministry.

Additionally, Dr. Taylor serves as the Ministering Servant of the North 10th & Treadaway Church of Christ, where he continues to serve within his local community through his spiritual guidance, mentorship, and leadership.