Steve Pinkston Endowment
About the Pinkston Endowment
Rooted in Jesuit values, the Pinkston Endowment invests in a future where faculty representation reflects the world students live in. It supports the Pinkston Fellowship, which puts into practice the experience of Steve Pinkston and decades of educational research showing that educators of color strengthen school communities and improve outcomes for all students. When students of color see themselves reflected in their teachers, it builds trust, boosts achievement, and deepens a sense of belonging.
Rev. Steve Pinkston, now retired, was a high school teacher (Biology, Mathematics, Social Science and Religious Studies), coach, and administrator for over 40 years. After beginning his teaching career in Southern California, he settled in San Jose, CA teaching at Bellarmine College Preparatory in 1980. He also served as the Christian Service Director where he promoted service-learning throughout the curriculum, coordinated local and foreign immersion experiences, and advanced justice issues within the school community. Rev. Pinkston also served as the moderator for Bellarmine’s Black Student Union and the Agape Service Club.
Rev. Pinkston was ordained in 1984 under the pastorate of his father - Rev. Dr. M. Samuel Pinkston - at Antioch Baptist Church. He served in the youth ministry at Antioch for ten years. He has been volunteering at Juvenile Hall, Elmwood Jail and San Quentin State Prison for over 30 years. He remains a steady and powerful voice in the community, serving on boards and councils and staying active in educational circles.
Rev. Pinkston holds a B.A. in Biology from Pomona College, has taken classes at the University of Nairobi in Kenya, holds a master’s degree in Education from Claremont Graduate University and a master’s degree in Theology from the University of San Francisco. He has also traveled to 30 countries and is an avid bicyclist.
Rev. Pinkston has been married to Lenora Clease Pinkston for over 35 years. This union was blessed with two children, and the family continues to grow with grandchildren who share in the Pinkston legacy.
Steve Pinkston
Current Pinkston Fellows Jasper (left) and Jacobi (right) Mitchell with past Pinkston Fellow Monica Collins (center)
Meet the Pinkston Fellows
Monica Collins, the very first Pinkston Fellow, is now a full-time English teacher at Bellarmine. Current Fellows, Jacobi and Jasper Mitchell, recent graduates of Morehouse College, are already having a positive impact.
On Friday, January 23, 2026, Bellarmine College Preparatory hosted Let It Shine: an inspiring musical variety show benefiting The Pinkston Endowment. Through music, spoken word, and performance, we celebrated the impact of the Pinkston Fellows, continuing a legacy of reflection and representation on campus.
Click the red "play" icon to watch the recap video of Let It Shine.
The Steve Pinkston Endowment: Frequently Asked Questions
- When did Mr. Pinkston retire?
- What is Bellarmine's Endowment Fund? How does the Steve Pinkston Endowment fit into it? And what is the Pinkston Fellowship?
- Why are this Endowment and Fellowship structured in this way?
- How much are we trying to raise and by when?
- Do we have other named endowments for Bellarmine faculty members?
- Who should I contact if I have a question about the Steve Pinkston Endowment?