“Born to serve and blessed to be a blessing” captures the life-mission and purpose of Dr. Oscar J. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood, the Father of Possibleology and Possibility Education Awareness.
From humble beginnings to Prestigious awards and honors, Dr. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood’s life reflects a commitment to uplifting and serving others. His recognition as Indiana’s first African American Teacher of the Year in 1977, and 47 years later receiving the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, mark not only a personal achievement but demonstrate a life devoted to serving others so that they, too, may be empowered with hope. Yet, for Dr. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood, awards and accolades have never been his motivation or drive, but service to others and the kingdom of GOD has always been his heart and the very reason for his being.
As the Father of Possibleology, Dr. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood has dedicated his life to teaching people from around the world to see beyond limitations, tap into their possibilities, and embrace their GOD-given potential, dream, and purpose. His life’s work emphasizes faith, purpose, discipline, and vision, equipping generations of students of all ages and all walks of life from around the world to believe that their past or their circumstances do not define their future.
Dr. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood possesses a Christ-like and Christ-giving heart that is full of compassion and genuine love. Whether in classrooms, pulpits, or any encounters, his consistent message has been GOD has more for you, and GOD loves you; furthermore, everyone was born to make a difference because of the seeds of possibilities within. Through mentoring, teaching, and ministry, he has poured wisdom, encouragement, and love into countless lives from around the world. Dr. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood sees the good in everyone he encounters. He doesn’t limit what he pours into people based on their gender, race, sex, economic status, or background.
His lifetime of impact was nationally recognized by President Joe Biden right before he left office with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for Service. An honor that reflects decades of selfless dedication to service in Education, teaching the Word of GOD, developing people, fostering lives, or spreading hope.
Dr. Oscar J. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood is the Apostle, Pastor, and Founder of The Destiny Dome Embassy at Cathedral of Praise International, GOD’S I Am Possible Church of Hope, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. His serving is not limited to the church ministry, but extends to the realm of education. He is the Founder and Headmaster of Cornerstone Christian College Prep Day and High School International (C-Prep), GOD’S I Am Possible School of Hope. Under his leadership, the school operates through both a Physical Campus and a Cyber Global Campus, where students around the world, including the Philippines and Nigeria, may be able to attend without leaving their country. Furthermore, Dr. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood didn’t want to leave out adults, because they, too, still have a purpose to fulfill. He also serves as Founder and President of Cornerstone Christian Bible College (CCBCI-Global), GOD’S I AM Possible Bible College of Hope, where students and leaders from around the world have earned degrees and honorary degrees which includes former NBA player A.C. Green, American record executive Dr. Mathew Knowles (Dr. NDU’S cousin), and Karl Reid of the Grammy Award-winning gospel group Commissioned to name a few.
Even before C-Prep, earlier in his career, Dr. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood demonstrated transformational leadership in public education. In 1982, he accepted the principalship at Ralph J. Bunche Elementary School and implemented the “Underwood Model,” reversing challenging conditions within two years, which resulted in an elevated rise in school testing scores. His philosophy centered on helping students understand that they matter and can learn without limitations. Another honorable mention, he also wrote the curriculum for the Fort Wayne magnet schools for gifted children. His methods later led him to address the United States Congressional Committee on Small Businesses in 1998, sharing his educational philosophy before the national government.
Dr. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood’s sacrificial work has been widely recognized. He was named Indiana Businessman of the Year in 1999 and received the Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award in 2018. His book, Burden of Hope, was featured at the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany in 2016, expanding his global influence as an author. In 2022, he introduced former Vice President Mike Pence at the Allen County GOP Reagan Bean Dinner.
Through ministry, education, authorship, and over half a century of service, Dr. Oscar J. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood has built a legacy rooted in faith, change, and steadfast belief that with GOD, all things are possible to him who believes.
Yet, as a servant-leader, his greatest reward has always been seeing others discover their true identity in Christ and succeed in life by using their GOD-given gifts.
Dr. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood’s life stands as a living testimony that when purpose and service walk hand in hand, and when you serve others and not live to be served, because of your purpose, not only will you be rewarded on earth, but GOD will reward you with special jewels when you get to heaven.
His life and legacy are defined by service because he understands that he is blessed to be a blessing, not only to the city of Fort Wayne, the state of Indiana, and the United States of America, but to those whom GOD sends to him from around the world.
On February 28, 2026, the world will celebrate Dr. Oscar J. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood for over half a century of service and impact as he continues to make and shape Fort Wayne History, Indiana History, American History, World History, and Humanitarian History.
It is an honor to walk alongside a living legend, to write about his deposit, impact, and history, and most importantly, to be blessed to be his granddaughter.
Leticia Starks-Underwood
Leticia Starks-Underwood is an educator, mentor, student, author, and publisher. She holds a B.A. in Biblical Literature from Taylor University Upland, a Master’s and Doctorate in Christian Education from Cornerstone Bible College, Intl, where Dr. Oscar Nelson Dowdell-Underwood is the founder and President in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. She also holds several Certificates from Cornerstone Bible College, International. She holds a certificate in Book Publishing from IAP Career College. She currently serves as an educator at Cornerstone Christian College Prep Day and High School International, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She is the Founder of You Can Make It Inspiration Online and Print Magazine. She also published several books, which includes “You Can Make It: Hope on The Journey of Motherhood” and “The J and J Royal Kids Collection.” She also serves as a contributing writer for BlackNews.UK. Leticia is dedicated to spreading hope, encouragement, and the love of Christ through her life and her works to others.