Buies Creek, N.C.-A leader in children’s ministries, Janice Ann Haywood received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Campbell University. Haywood, who serves as the coordinator and lead instructor in the Divinity School’s Preschool and Children’s Ministry Certification program, accepted the degree at the hooding ceremony for the Campbell Divinity School on Friday, May 8, in Turner Auditorium of the Dr. Rich Memorial building. The hooding ceremony was part of Campbell University’s 123rd graduation exercises held May 8-9.
A native of North Carolina, Haywood grew up in southern Louisiana, the daughter of an associational missionary. Following her graduation from Louisiana State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary education, she pursued a master’s degree in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and later earned another master’s degree in Child Development and Family Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In 1976, she became a consultant with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, working with the state’s 4,000 Baptist churches as an advocate for quality children’s ministry. Haywood retired from this position in 2008 after 31 years of service. She currently serves as an adjunct professor and the program director for the Preschool and Children’s Ministry Certification at the Campbell Divinity School. In addition, Haywood conducts state and national leadership conferences and consults with a variety of churches in all aspects of preschool and grade-school children’s ministry.
A prolific writer, Haywood has penned numerous articles and booklets related to children’s ministry, including “Enduring Connections: Creating a Preschool and Children’s Ministry,” published in 2007. She is also a sought after speaker and leads conferences and workshops nationwide.
The Campbell Divinity School conferred a total of 37 graduate degrees. They included 27 Master of Divinity, 5 Doctor of Ministry and 5 Master of Arts in Christian Education.
Photo Copy: Children’s Ministry leader Janice Haywood receives the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Dr. Jerry M. Wallace, president of Campbell University. (Photo by Bennett Scarborough)