James Robert A. Culp – 1998 Athlete

Dr. Robert Culp during impressive years of athletic achievement at Anderson University and preparation for a life in the Christian ministry, probably not once thought about the very positive mark he was leaving on campus. It has been that same dedication and devotion he has given to his calling in the Church of God, which he serves with distinction.

In basketball, Culp was named All-Conference three times, team MVP twice in 1954 and 1956 and team captain in 1957, earning four letters. His skills on the hardwood will be long remembered.

As senior pastor of the First Church of God in Toledo, Ohio, Culp resigned as a member of the Anderson University board of trustees at the end of his second five-year term because of election as chairman of the policy-making General Assembly of the Church of God.

Previously, he had served in many national posts of the Movement in the areas of mass communication, Christian education and social concerns. He is a past president of the National Association of the Church of God and the church’s National Youth Fellowship. Anderson University has recognized his vast contributions to church and community with an honorary doctor of divinity degree. He earned the School of Theology’s advanced degree in 1961.

In Toledo, he is a past president of the NAACP Chapter and the Interracial Religious Coalition. He has also served on the City of Toledo-Lucas County Housing Task Board and was co-founder of the Toledo Urban Renewal Network in 1993. He also founded FORWARD & FACTS Houses for Substance Abuse.

His leadership with one of the Church of God’s outstanding black congregations won him selection in 1966-67 as one of the 10 “Outstanding Young Men of the Year” in Toledo.

Anderson University is proud to name James Robert A. Culp among its second class of inductees to the Athletic Hall of Fame.