Meet Dr. Antipas Harris, Newest Member of the FHR Board

“I See Myself as a Bridge, Helping Overcome Divides” - Dr. Antipas Harris

Future Hampton Roads draws upon my deepest passion - bridging divides and strengthening unity toward a shared success. We can go further when we lock arms as one region. 

I have been a student for much of my life. I earned a BA in Religion and Creative Music Technology from LaGrange College, a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University, an STM from Yale University, a Doctor of Ministry from Boston University, and a PhD from St. Thomas University. I am a published author with numerous articles, newspaper columns, chapters, edited volumes, and monographs to my credit. 

I see myself as a bridge, helping overcome divides between church traditions, interfaith and interracial communities, faith and education, and faith and public life. I co-chaired Hands United Building Bridges (HUBB), served as Vice Chair for Interfaith Relations on the executive board for the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, hosted forums on issues of race and led the annual Evening of Hope in partnership with Virginia Symphony Orchestra. I am also the founding president and CEO of the Urban Renewal Center.

Over the past 18 years, I have taught at various universities and theological schools, including Sacred Heart University, New York Theological Seminary, Fuller Theological Seminary, Portland Theological Seminary, Vanguard University, Virginia Christian College, and Regent University. I have also held administrative roles and served as a tenured associate professor at Regent University and am currently an adjunct in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at ODU. And by the way, I also like to travel, fish, and hang out at bars with friends.

Because of my experience in religious education, civic entrepreneurship, and community engagement, I look forward to helping Future Hampton Roads build ideological and relational bridges to strengthen the region. I have seen the power of togetherness and want to show the world that Hampton Roads is better together!