Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Travien L. Capers.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, in Hampton County – a little town called Varnville. My parents raised my sister and me in the church, and we were both musicians. I knew the call early on in my life. I began preaching at 19 and stepped into pastoring at 25. For the last 15 years, I’ve been serving here in the Columbia area in Hopkins, and it’s been an incredible journey of growth, both personally and in ministry.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t always been easy. I was really young when I started, and my platform grew quickly – which came with its own set of challenges. When my wife and I were dating, it was definitely an adjustment for both of us, learning to navigate life in ministry together. And through the years, we’ve had to be intentional about insulating our children from the stress that comes with ministry life.
Being bivocational has its own challenges too – balancing multiple responsibilities and trying to give your best to both. And then there are the day-to-day struggles of ministry itself. Losing people you love, leading while you’re bleeding, managing seasons of growth and contraction, building projects, outreach efforts, surviving COVID – it all takes a toll. But through it all, God gives grace. That’s what sustains you when the road gets rough.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Currently, I serve as the Director of Program Assessment and Continuous Quality Improvement at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, where I lead initiatives to evaluate and enhance program effectiveness. I develop comprehensive assessment strategies using both qualitative and quantitative data to drive decision-making, including curriculum mapping and database management. I also serve on the Curriculum Committee, chair the Assessment and Evaluation Subcommittee, and have been instrumental in LCME accreditation preparation. My background spans higher education administration, spiritual formation, and academic leadership – from teaching at Columbia International University to managing faculty cohorts at Strayer University. I specialize in strategic planning, team leadership, and creating systems that help institutions achieve their educational goals.
What I’m most proud of is the breadth of impact I’ve been able to have – not just in my professional roles, but in service to the community. I was honored as a guest at the White House in 2022 for my contributions to community service and civic engagement, and I’ve received commendations from leaders including former President Biden and Governor McMaster. I’ve also been recognized by the South Carolina House of Representatives for flood relief efforts. What sets me apart is this intersection of rigorous academic leadership and deep community investment. I don’t just work in higher education – I’m actively serving on boards like Charleston Southern University’s Board of Visitors, the Township Auditorium Executive and Foundation Boards, and the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families. I bring both data-driven decision-making and a heart for people to everything I do.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I really love preaching. It’s a freeing feeling. The travel, meeting new people, engaging in worship with them in service settings – I love it. There’s something powerful about stepping into different communities and connecting with people through the Word. Whether I’m in my home church in Hopkins or somewhere new, that moment when you’re sharing truth and you can feel the Spirit moving in the room – that’s what it’s all about for me. Ministry isn’t just what I do; it’s who I am, and preaching is where I feel most alive in that calling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zionbenevolent.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-travien-l-capers-50979b144/
