This fall, Perkins welcomes a fourth cohort of Perkins Scholars. The Perkins Scholar designation is given to students who have distinguished themselves in their undergraduate studies, have demonstrated leadership abilities, and are enrolled in the Master of Divinity program leading toward ordination. Each year’s cohort is made up of ten M.Div. students selected from the entering class. Those students each receive a scholarship totaling up to $21,000, spread over three years, in addition to other scholarship awards they may receive.
In the spring of 2016, the Perkins Executive Board took up the challenge to put this project in motion. The members of the Executive Board, an advisory board to the Dean, care deeply about Perkins School of Theology and the student body. Members of the Board pledged ten awards, each pledge being $21,000. Several members pledged more than one scholarship!
Members of the first cohort of Perkins Scholars have now obtained M.Div. degrees and graduated in May. The second cohort is entering the final year of M.Div. studies, looking forward to finishing in May 2021. The third cohort is entering the second year of M.Div. studies and has become acclimated to, and is excelling at, life at Perkins.
With the scholarships pledged for the entering class, our faithful donors have contributed more than $800,000 of increased scholarship funds for these outstanding students.
The newest cohort of ten Perkins Scholars, funded by Executive Board members, was welcomed to the Perkins family this fall. Among the new Perkins Scholars are:
Hunter Barnett |
Pamela Brantley |
Julia Castleman |
Brennan Cummings |
Tripp Gulledge |
Steven Lefebvre |
Brady McQueeny (right) |
Emma Ward |
Preparing outstanding pastors and leaders for the Church and society is one of the ongoing missions of Perkins School of Theology. This exceptional assemblage of new Perkins Scholars joins a host of outstanding graduates from years past—women and men who have made a difference in our world.
If you or your church would like to participate in the Perkins Scholars program, please let me know. I can always be reached at johnma@smu.edu or 214-768-2026.
Wishing you a safe fall,
John A. Martin
Director of Development