Dr. James C. Watford

Bishop J.C. Watford hails from a predominantly agricultural background in North Carolina, where he spent his formative years. He pursued his education diligently, attending public schools in both North Carolina and Virginia. In 1966, he graduated with distinction from Bertie High School in Windsor, N.C., ranking in the top percentile of his class. Following graduation, he embarked on a series of diverse employment opportunities in North Carolina and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in February 1969. Serving with honor for 3 1/2 years, he attained the rank of Sergeant E-5 before his honorable discharge in August 1972.

Bishop Watford's academic journey continued as he pursued higher education. He earned an Associate of Science Degree in Business Education from Chowan College, which was then a two-year institution and is now known as Chowan University. His outstanding academic performance earned him the distinction of receiving the scholarship award for two consecutive years as the commuting student with the highest academic average. He was also actively involved in extracurricular activities, being a member of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Fraternity and the Alpha Psi Omega National Drama Fraternity. Additionally, he was recognized as one of "Who's Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges."

Furthering his education, Bishop Watford obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education and Marketing from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, where he was also the recipient of the Veterans Scholarship Award. Subsequently, he dedicated ten years to teaching in the North Carolina public school system, during which he was honored as the "Teacher of the Year" by his peers in 1986.

Bishop Watford's pursuit of theological education led him to earn Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate Degrees in Theology from the Williams-Clemon-Davis Bible Institute (now known as New Life Theological Seminary) in Orangeburg, South Carolina, where he currently serves as one of the deans. His academic achievements and contributions to various organizations have been recognized on several occasions, including being selected as One of the Most Outstanding Young Men of America in 1984 and being listed in the National Who's Who of Executives and Professionals for 2004-2005.

Beyond academia, Bishop Watford is deeply involved in his communities. He is the owner and general manager of WRCS AM 970 Radio Station in Ahoskie, North Carolina, and actively serves on numerous boards and associations, including the North Carolina Gospel Announcers Guild, The Gospel Music Workshop of America, and the Ahoskie Rotary Club, where he served as the first African-American president in its then 68-year history. He is also engaged in alumni associations, ministerial boards, advisory boards, and civil rights organizations, receiving accolades such as the 2013 Humanitarian Award from the Hertford County Branch of the NAACP.

Bishop Watford resides in Powellsville, North Carolina, with his devoted wife Connie, who is a retired public school teacher.