Honorary Doctorate Degree in Ministry

Class of 2024-2025 Honorees

Dr. Sharian Denise Brown Battle is the visionary leader, and creator of April as International Black Women’s History Month and March as International Black Women In Jazz & The Arts Month, will be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate from West Coast Bible College & Seminary (WCBCS). This distinguished accolade will be formally bestowed upon her at a ceremonial event scheduled for December 2024, accommodating both in-person and online attendees.

Dr. Phillip S. Porter, President of WCBCS, expressed his enthusiasm: “Sha is truly a visionary with a passion and desire to acknowledge and elevate the awareness of the accomplishments of others, which will inspire and motivate future generations. It’s our privilege to welcome her into the esteemed West Coast family.”

Celebrating Black Women’s Contributions

In April 2016, Sha Battle founded the International Black Women’s History Month, recognizing the outstanding contributions of Black women to world history. She believed that Black History Month alone was insufficient to celebrate these remarkable achievements. Many contributions had gone unrecognized, and she was determined to change that.

Recognizing that March was Women’s History Month, Sha decided to create April as Black Women’s History Month. During this month, the contributions of Black women—from domestic engineering to medicine, politics, inventions, and entrepreneurship—are celebrated. Sha’s mission was to embrace achievements, build understanding, and raise awareness of the rich history of Black women and Minority Women who are the Descendants of Africa. Black Women’s History Month unifies communities by promoting visibility, education, empowerment, contribution, and achievement, positively impacting people across the globe.

Honoring Black Women in the Arts

Sha wanted something legendary for Black Women in the arts. She had an interest in creating something historic that would uplift Black Women. That’s when Sha founded and created March as Black Women in Jazz & The Arts Month. This year, 2024 will be the 10th award show for Black Women in Jazz & The Arts.

Sha’s passion extended to uplifting Black women in the arts. She founded March as Black Women in Jazz & The Arts Month, which has become an annual celebration. In 2024, the 10th award show for Black Women in Jazz & The Arts will take place, honoring the creativity and talent of Black women artists. By establishing this special event, Sha has truly created something legendary and historic that will live for generations to come.

Sharian received a proclamation from the Atlanta City Council that Black Women’s History Month will be recognized by The City of Atlanta.

Dr. Sha Battle, a native Georgian who grew up in the Metro Atlanta Area, has had a distinguished career as an Information Technology Consultant specializing in JD Edwards. Over 30 years, she has worked with companies such as GE Computer Service, Raytheon Corporation, CH2M Hill, Coca Cola USA, Exxon, CTG, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Corning, and many more.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Sharian Denise Brown Battle on the well-deserved honor of receiving an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Ministry from West Coast Bible College & Seminary.

Dr. Michele Chambers Fisher is the founder of the Teen Girls InChrist Ministry and Saving Our Sisters organization will be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from West Coast Bible College & Seminary (WCBCS). This distinguished accolade will be formally bestowed upon her at a ceremonial event scheduled for June 2025, accommodating both in-person and online attendees.

Dr. Phillip S. Porter, President of WCBCS, expressed his enthusiasm: “Michele is an amazing educational leader and youth advocate whose life’s mission has been to educate and empower our youth to achieve their full potential and to walk in their purpose. It is our privilege to welcome her into the esteemed West Coast family.”

Dr. Michele Fisher selfishly aids teen and college students to become confident and love themselves for who they are.no matter what others say or think. Dr. Fisher’s desire is to teach them that self-esteem comes from having a sense of belonging, believing, and confidently knowing their contributions to this world are valued and worthwhile. To exhibit love for others, assisting others as they conduct him or herself in a way that honors the character of Jesus.

Dr. Fisher attended Jackson State University, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Services from Belhaven University, a Master of Science degree in Secondary Education with an endorsement in Guidance Education, and a Specialist in Elementary Education from Alcorn State University.

Currently, she is employed as a Teacher for the Vicksburg-Warren School District, where she has previously worked as a Paraprofessional, Kindergarten Teacher and currently teaches at The Warren County Youth Detention Center, which she has a proven track record of success in educating students to improve their academic performance, hone their skills, and drive success for themselves. 

Fisher has dedicated most of her life to empowering individuals to reach their full potential. As the founder of these two programs, Teen Girls in Christ, and Saving Our Sisters (SOS), she diligently works to help young people build a foundation that is more fruitful and purposeful. Moreover, cultivating lifelong character traits such as embracing themselves, instilling morals, strengthening values, and harnessing self-esteem.

Dr. Michele Fisher utilizes her knowledge and experience to guide and support her students and the youth in the church and community in role modeling how to unlock their true potential whether it be personally or in the leadership realm, and to enhance themselves by achieving lasting success beyond their current circumstances.

Dr. Fisher wants her students to know that one must stay on the potter’s wheel. As she too has allowed God to mold her into His image. Being a Child of God, evangelism and discipleship are paramount to her. She emulates love for others as Christ would do. In as much as conducting herself in a way that honors the character of Jesus.

Her favorite scripture says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

Dr. Michele is a member of Greater Grove Street Missionary Baptist Church. She is the wife of Rev. Dr. Casey D. Fisher and the mother of three children (twin sons Bryan and Ryan, and daughter Casey Michele). She has previously served in impactful ministries spanning from the GED program to the Next Generation Golf Tournament and PRIDE youth group.

In addition, community service capacities include Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, and Education and Literacy Civic Groups and other organizations.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Michele Chambers Fisher on the well-deserved honor of receiving an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humane Letters from West Coast Bible College & Seminary.

Dr. Kelli Diane Grant is the owner and Chief Executive Officer at Grant Consulting and Coaching, LLC will be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from West Coast Bible College & Seminary (WCBCS). This distinguished accolade will be formally bestowed upon her at a ceremonial event scheduled for June 2025, accommodating both in-person and online attendees.

Dr. Phillip S. Porter, President of WCBCS, expressed his enthusiasm: “Kelli’s extraordinary career spanning criminal justice reform, education, mental health advocacy, and public service, has consistently demonstrated an unwavering dedication to creating positive, sustainable change. It is our privilege to welcome her into the esteemed West Coast family.”

Dr. Kelli Grant is a multi-disciplinary advocate committed to and passionate about improvement. Her work has a consistent thread of leadership initiatives, projects, and change management across both private and public sectors.

Kelli’s motivation is inspired by creating change and tangible improvements that can be replicated for sustainability. She has accomplished this through direct service roles, administrative roles, educational and training roles, and leadership roles.

Kelli has inspired social change in many ways. In 2024, she advocated for recognition of Juneteenth as a Holiday in three states for the company she currently serves. Her devotion to finding solutions inspired her commitment to education and understanding multiple systems and how they operate. A core belief Kelli holds is that we can create meaningful impact through cooperative relationships, shared visions, and purpose-driven work.

Kelli has served on multiple boards and committees and takes her community service work seriously. She currently serves on the Wichita State University Institutional Review Board as a prison systems expert. Previously, she served as a member of the Sedgwick County Corrections Advisory Board, and the City of Wichita Diversity Inclusion and Civil Rights Board, where she helped create and pass the most inclusive non-discrimination ordinance in the State of Kansas.

Kelli pours her heart and soul into her work. Her friends refer to her as a “social justice philanthropist,” but her most important role has been as a mother. As a single mom, Kelli took her kids to college with her and accomplished multiple degrees in both Criminal Justice and Sociology. She has taught at multiple colleges and her work is dedicated to her clients, students, and most importantly, her now-adult children.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Kelli Diane Grant on the well-deserved honor of receiving an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humane Letters from West Coast Bible College & Seminary.

The Williams Brothers, is one of the most enduring and influential gospel groups, will be conferred with the prestigious Honorary Doctorate Degree in Ministry. This honor recognizes their exceptional contributions to gospel music and their unwavering commitment to ministry and community service. This distinguished accolade will be formally bestowed upon them at a graduation ceremonial event scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas, accommodating both in-person and online attendees. Dr. Phillip S. Porter, President of WCBCS, expressed his enthusiasm: “The Williams Brothers is truly one of the most inspiring and legendary groups that has shared the gospel and influenced people worldwide for generations. It is my privilege to welcome them into the esteemed West Coast family.”

Few gospel groups can equal The Williams Brothers in terms of longevity. Organized in 1960 by their father, the late Leon “Pop” Williams and their brother, the late Frank Williams, the group consists of Doug Williams, Melvin Williams, Henry Green, and Andre Tate. The Williams Brothers recently suffered a great loss in February 2024 when their lifetime member of 63 years, Henry Green, passed away.

In April 1991, Doug, Melvin, and the late Henry decided to merge musical talent with industry expertise to form their own record label. As a result, Blackberry Records was born. Blackberry Records’ first release, “This Is Your Night” received a GRAMMY Awards nomination and won two Stellar Awards within the first year of operation. Since that time, The Williams Brothers have earned many accolades, including a Gold Record for “I’m Too Close” featuring Stevie Wonder.

The Williams Brothers have garnered nomination for seven (7) GRAMMY Awards, two (2) Dove Awards and one (1) Soul Train Award, the group has won twenty-one (21) Stellar Awards and has had three (3) #1 Albums and eighteen (18) Top Ten Albums on Billboard Gospel Charts.

During their musical journey, they have shared the stage with many colleagues in the industry, such as Stevie Wonder, Tyler Perry, Aretha Franklin, Andrae Crouch, The Clark Sisters, CeCe Winans, Shirley Caesar, Brandy, Chaka Khan, Yolanda Adams, Charlie Pride, Jerry Lee Lewis, Patti LaBelle, James Taylor, and many others.

In February 2011, The Williams Brothers were the first Gospel artists ever to headline at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Biloxi, MS and performed to a SOLD-OUT crowd.

In April 2015, Doug Williams and Melvin Williams performed at The White House with Aretha Franklin for former President Barack Obama.

Collectively, this group has done amazing works over the years, they have been a staple for service in communities and churches, to name a few: Sickle Cell Foundation, Diabetes Foundation, HBCU’s, Art Organizations, Youth Organizations, Heart Foundation, GRAMMY Youth Foundation, Prison Ministries, Nursing Home Ministries, Crazy Like Love Foundation (established and in operation by Melvin and Doug in 2005 to aid Hurricane Katrina victims).

The Williams Brothers have shown us an array of talents over their years together, as a group and individually: Solo projects, producing, performances, writing music and even acting.

Melvin Williams is a record company Executive for his own company, Melvin Williams Music Group. He has (4) four Solo Projects, (1) one GRAMMY Award nomination and (1) one Emmy nomination and several Stellar Awards nominations and wins.
Doug Williams retired after 28 years of serving as President/CEO of Blackberry Records in 2019 and currently serves as Executive of his own record company, called DLW Music Group. Doug has written many hit songs over the years for his (3) three Solo Projects, The Williams Brothers and many other artists. He has had (1) one GRAMMY Awards nomination and several Stellar Awards nominations and wins throughout his music career.
Andre Tate joined the group 20 years ago, as a band member and became one of The Williams Brothers 10 years later. He has had (1) one Solo Project and is currently pursuing acting.

Melvin, Doug, Andre, and their musicians are still traveling around the world today, after 60 plus years. Their distinctive Gospel sound keeps them busy with concerts and appearances. They also use their individual talents and gifts in their own way, as solo artists, as well as their anointed performances with The Williams Brothers. Their motto is: “Better Together” and “Men on a Mission”.

When the group is not traveling, they spend time overseeing their record labels and producing great music or just relaxing at home.

West Coast Bible College & Seminary is honored to recognize The Williams Brothers (Douglas Williams, Melvin Williams, Andre Tate, and the late Henry Green) for their outstanding contributions to gospel music and their dedication to ministry. This honorary doctorate degree celebrates their legacy and ongoing impact on the world. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to each of the members of The Williams Brothers on the well-deserved honor of receiving an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Ministry from West Coast Bible College & Seminary.

Dr. Charles Shepard Wilson, Jr. is a visionary educator, accomplished coach, and dedicated Chaplain will be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from West Coast Bible College & Seminary (WCBCS). This distinguished accolade will be formally bestowed upon him at a ceremonial event scheduled for June 2025, accommodating both in-person and online attendees.

Dr. Phillip S. Porter, President of WCBCS, expressed his enthusiasm: “Charles is a great educational leader and visionary whose life’s mission has been to educate,
inspire, and mentor youth and make an impact on future generations. It’s our privilege to welcome him into the esteemed West Coast family.”

Dr. Charles Wilson has dedicated over two decades to the field of education, passionately shaping the lives of students and fostering community growth. He is a 1999 graduate of Grace University in Omaha, Nebraska, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Furthering his commitment to leadership and education, he obtained the United Way of the Midlands Heartland Blueprint board certification in 2008 and graduated from the Omaha Leadership for Life Cohort 2 in 2014.

Currently serving as the Principal of TNT Academy School in Paige, Texas since June 2022, Dr. Wilson has a rich history of educational leadership. Prior to this role, he was the School Administrator at Omaha Street School in Omaha, Nebraska from August 2003 to June 2022. Over his 26-year career, Dr. Charles Wilson has taught for seven years and spent 19 years in administration across various schools, including Ralston Middle School and Yates Alternative School.

In addition to his administrative roles, Dr. Wilson has been instrumental in initiating several impactful programs. He started a mental health program called HUDL at Omaha Street School in 2017 and a fatherhood program in 2011. As a school chaplain for seven years, he also founded Champion Church within the Omaha Street School in the fall of 2019.

Coach Wilson has a strong background in athletics, having coached basketball at various levels, from middle school to international semi-pro combines. He has led numerous basketball-related mission trips both internationally and within the US. Additionally, he established athletic programs at Omaha Street School in 2003 and at TNT Academy in 2022.

Currently, Dr. Wilson is a board member of the newly established Omaha Adult Education Center. Residing in their hometown of Elgin, Texas, he is an active member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Charles Shepard Wilson, Jr. on the well-deserved honor of receiving an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humane Letters from West Coast Bible College & Seminary.

Honorary Doctorate Degree in Ministry

Class of 2024-2025 Honorees

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