Director of The Junius B. Dotson Institute for Music and Worship in the Black Church and Beyond
Rev. Dr. Cynthia A. Wilson is an ordained deacon serving as the founder and Director of the Junius B. Dotson Institute for Music and Worship in the Black Church and Beyond, a one-of-a-kind global Institute that provides training in the sacred musics of Africana church traditions and beyond for musicians and worship leaders.
Most recently, she served as Executive Director of Worship Resources and Director of Liturgical Resources at Discipleship Ministries, an agency of The United Methodist Church. Prior to her work at Discipleship Ministries, Dr. Wilson served as Assistant Vice-President of Student Life and Dean of Students at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.
A talented vocalist, Dr. Wilson has participated as a solo artist, choral conductor, academician, preacher and clinician across 6 continents. She is a Grammy nominee and was noted the “Best Female Vocalist” at the Gospel Choice Awards. Her recording credits have been nominated for several awards and she has been a featured soloist on a multitude of recording projects and shared the stage with noted music legends such as Richard Smallwood, Edwin Hawkins (“Oh Happy Day”), Ken Medema, Nancy Wilson, Patti LaBelle, Shirley Caesar, Cissy Houston, the late Lionel Hampton, and Rev. James Cleveland. One of the true highlights of her ministry included a benefit concert for Africa University at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Dr. Wilson was invited to join the National Task Force (1979) that produced the Songs of Zion, and Co-Chaired the task force that produced its sequel (2007), Zion Still Sings! For Every Generation with the late Dr. William B. McClain.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education from Dillard University, a Master of Sacred Music degree from Perkins School of Theology/ SMU, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Liturgical Studies from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.