Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) Announces the 2025 Doctoral Fellowship Recipients

Grants awarded to fifteen doctoral candidates in the fields of theology, religion, and biblical studies

[ATLANTA, Georgia] - (April 23, 2025) - The Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) is excited to announce the 2025 Doctoral Fellows—15 distinguished doctoral students who are advancing research and leadership in theology, religion, and biblical studies.

Each Fellow will receive a $35,000 award to support them during the critical dissertation phase of their academic journey. In addition to financial support, Fellows will join a vibrant community of under-resourced and underrepresented scholars and mentors through FTE’s 2025 Forum for Theological Educators. The annual gathering provides space for professional development, vocational reflection, and building lasting connections within the theological education community. Fellows who are in the dissertation writing phase will be allowed to attend FTE’s Dissertation Workshop on Writing and Publishing and receive ongoing mentoring.

Meet the 2025 Doctoral Fellowship Recipients

  • Kayla August - Boston College School of Theology and Ministry
  • Connie Bahng - Boston University School of Theology
  • Rubén David Bonilla-Ramos - University of Toronto Emmanuel College
  • Lex Dunbar - Iliff School of Theology
  • Christina Désert - Emory University
  • Jazzy Johnson - Emory University
  • Iris Manburg - University of Chicago Divinity School
  • Stephanie Milton - University of California Davis
  • Michelle Navarrete - Emory University
  • Emanuel Padilla - Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
  • Ebo Quainoo - Princeton Theological Seminary
  • Amina Shumake - Vanderbilt University
  • Kyle Stevenson - Fordham University
  • Richard X, III - Fordham University
  • Darren Yau - Princeton University

Since 1954, FTE has supported more than 1,200 under-resourced and underrepresented Ph.D. and Th.D. students with the Doctoral Fellowship and has maintained a 98% retention rate among its fellowship recipients. The Doctoral Fellowship is a testament to the power of intentional support and community in helping students complete their doctoral work.


About FTE
For seventy years, the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) has been committed to cultivating tomorrow's leaders to be faithful, wise, and courageous for the church and academy. FTE provides resources, events, networks, grants, and fellowships to empower young adults and students to explore their passion, purpose, and call to pastoral ministry and theological scholarship.

For more information, visit fteleaders.org.


PRESS CONTACT
Chrishaun Hoopes
choopes@fteleaders.org