Fort Worth, Texas –Wednesday February 19, 2025 – Altovise Nicole Ferguson, is a performing artist, actress, author, speaker, model, choreographer, make-up artist, licensed cosmetologist and inspirational leader will be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Ministry from West Coast Bible College & Seminary (WCBCS). This distinguished accolade will be formally bestowed upon her at a ceremonial event scheduled for June 7, 2025, accommodating both in-person and online attendees.
Dr. Phillip S. Porter, President of WCBCS, expressed his enthusiasm: “Altovise professional career is truly an inspiring success story, and her challenging health journey is a victorious testimonial of her faith that is a guiding light for us all. It is my privilege to welcome her into the esteemed West Coast family.”
Dr. Altovise Ferguson is a native of Gary, Indiana. She began her career as a dancer, under the instruction of the late Corine Morse Williams and became a student teacher at age 11. Altovise discovered the world of modeling at John Robert Powers in Chicago, Illinois. She was chosen to participate in the International Talent & Modeling Association in New York and placed 4th runner up for “Talent of the Year.” After graduating from Emerson Visual & Performing Arts High School in 1994, she pursued a cosmetology career.
Altovise also became an actress with The West Side Theatre Guild and starred in numerous stage productions and films for the last 25 years. She has opened for the late Coretta Scott King and the late Michael Jackson.
However, Dr. Ferguson experienced a brief detour of her dreams. Altovise was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer at the age of 27. She had to learn how to walk again, while undergoing chemotherapy. When Altovise became cancer free in 2004, she started a dance school at An Open Door Church, under the leadership of Drs. Meredith and Marilyn Shackelford. It ran successfully for 3 years. At the time she wanted to expand, but the home she and husband were building through Habitat for Humanity was burned down, due to a hate crime. Altovise and her family gained national attention due to this tragedy.
Dr. Ferguson was faced with more challenges when she lost her voice and had to endure two throat surgeries. She was also diagnosed with pulmonary embolism in 2017. Altovise knows God as a healer. She has remained steadfast in her faith, to overcome every trial.
In 2012, she was ordained as deaconess at Embassies of Christ Kingdom Ministries under the leadership of the late Dr. Cedric and Joyce Oliver. Dr. Ferguson served as a worship leader, youth leader, and in the theatre ministry. She also started their first dance ministry.
Altovise became involved in every aspect of her children’s lives. As a part of the P.T.A., she eventually became a Title One parent liaison. She facilitated numerous programs for parent engagement. Altovise received numerous awards from the Gary Community School Corporation including The Distinguished Parent Award in 2007-2009. Dr. Ferguson received the Woman of Wonder Award from God First Ministries under the leadership of Dr. Mildred C. Harris.
Dr. Ferguson became the performing arts director with the Institute of Leadership and Performance program in 2016. In 2020, during the pandemic, Altovise began serving as a mentor with the America’s Big Sister program under the leadership of Dr. Tragil Wade. She was honored in 2021 and 2022 for her service. Altovise currently continues her service as a performing arts director, with the Victory 4 Kidz summer enrichment program under the leadership of Dr. Regina Beard.
Altovise held her first “Live to Win” fundraiser for cancer patients. In 2019, Altovise partnered with her oncologist, and local hospital with cancer survivorship days. This was to encourage and give hope to those in the fight. Also in 2019, she held her first conference “The Courage to Continue”. Altovise recorded and released “Beautiful Life” in 2012, and “Something Out of Nothing”, in 2015. She published her first book entitled, “Live to Win: My Victory Over Cancer.” Dr. Ferguson says, “always remember any pain you experience, it’s not in vain, it has a purpose.”
As a result of her life story, people have learned to thrive in life. Dr. Ferguson released new music in 2020, “Won’t Do It Again”, her first credit as songwriter and co-producer. She also started a podcast titled “The Courage to Continue”. Altovise made her television debut on the Fox show “Empire” in 2020. It would become her first credit as an actress. She gained her second credit on the Amazon series “The G”, which is filmed in her hometown, Gary, In. Altovise also appeared as a plus size model in the 2020 Pennington’s Holiday Campaign. Altovise’s television credits include AMC’s “61st Street”, Showtime series, “The Chi” and MGM+ series and “Emperor of Ocean Park”.
Due to Altovise’s love and passion for the arts, her children were exposed to what the world as creative looks like. Together, she and her children are working actors, and members of SAG-AFTRA. All three are represented by Hayes Talent Agency.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Altovise Nicole Ferguson on the well-deserved honor of receiving an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Ministry from West Coast Bible College & Seminary.
About West Coast Bible College and Seminary
West Coast Bible College and Seminary was founded with the mission to provide affordable Christian education. The institution offers programs such as the Diploma of General Ministries, Associate of Ministry, Bachelor of Ministry, and the Certification in Family Success. In partnership with Success Training Institute and ImpactU, West Coast also offers students the opportunity to earn soft skills certifications, gain access to virtual internship programs, earn additional funds for college, and more. As a leading provider of soft skills training, West Coast equips its students with valuable skills such as leadership, time management, focus, conflict resolution, and more. To learn more visit, https://westcoastbc.org.
