FTE Selects 30 Scholars of Color for its Doctoral Fellowship

ATLANTA (April 2, 2019) — The Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) has selected 30 scholars of color to receive support for their PhD or ThD program in religion, theological studies or biblical studies.

Students in this year’s class represent 18 institutions across the country and will either receive the Fellowship for Doctoral Students of African Descent or the Fellowship for Latino/a, Asian and First Nations Doctoral Students. Each Fellow will receive a living stipend up to $25,000 to help further their studies beyond the coursework stage.

“This class of scholars share an ethos of equity, collaboration, and work that should inspire future Fellows and the academy,” said Dr. Patrick B. Reyes, FTE director of strategic partnerships for doctoral initiatives. “Each member of this class labors for their ancestors, family, and community and we are honored to be part of their journey.”

As part of the fellowship award, Fellows will have the opportunity to attend the 2019 FTE Forum for Theological Educators, held November 22-24, in San Diego, California, prior to the annual meetings of the American Academy of Religion and Society of Biblical Literature. The Forum will provide opportunities for networking, professional development, vocational exploration and mentoring.

 

FTE welcomes the following recipients into the 2019 class of Doctoral Fellows:

Fellowship for Doctoral Students of African Descent:

  • Jessica R. Chapman, Claremont School of Theology, Practical Theology
  • Nyle Fort, Princeton University, Religion
  • Seth Emmanuel Gaiters, Ohio State University, Religious Studies
  • Kamilah Hall Sharp, Brite Divinity School, Biblical Studies
  • J. H. Hill, Jr., Northwestern University, African American Religious Studies
  • Nikki Hoskins, Drew University, Christian Ethics
  • Malene Minor Johnson, Chicago Theological Seminary, African American Religious Studies
  • Kishundra D. King, Vanderbilt University, Religious Studies
  • Leah Lomotey-Nakon, Vanderbilt University, Ethics
  • Joi R. Orr, Emory University, Christian Ethics
  • Camilla Raymond, University of Denver, Religious Studies
  • Gina A.S. Robinson, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Christian and Religious Education
  • Nicole S. Symmonds, Emory University, Ethics & Society
  • Stanley Talbert, Union Theological Seminary, Systematic Theology
  • Eric A. Thomas, Drew University, New Testament
  • Justin G. West, Christian Theological Seminary, Homiletics
  • Bryson White, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Theological Studies
  • Chelsea Brooke Yarborough, Vanderbilt University, Homiletics and Liturgical Studies

Fellowship for Latino/a, Asian and First Nations Doctoral Students:

  • Sarah Chae, Princeton Theological Seminary, Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Care
  • Linda Claros, Claremont Graduate University, Religious Studies
  • Janan Delgado, Harvard University, Islamic Studies
  • Simeiqi He, Drew University Theological School, Christian Social Ethics
  • Easten Law, Georgetown University, Lived Religion and Theological Ethnography
  • Peace Pyunghwa Lee, Duke University Divinity School, Homiletics
  • Hyemin Na, Emory University, Religion
  • Lisa Asedillo Pratt, Drew University, Christian Ethics
  • M.I. Rey, Boston University, Hebrew Bible
  • Natalie M. Reynoso, Fordham University, History of Christianity
  • Jorge Juan Rodríguez V, Union Theological Seminary, Church and Religious History
  • Alma Tinoco Ruiz, Duke University Divinity School, Homiletics

 

In addition to its fellowships for dissertation stage doctoral students, FTE provides professional development opportunities for PhD and ThD students in the first two years of their studies. FTE developed these doctoral initiatives to help accelerate the completion of doctoral degrees among students of color and to foster diversity in the academy across North America.

Since 1999, FTE has awarded more than 550 fellowships to students of color and has maintained a 97 percent retention rate among its Doctoral Fellows.

 

For more information about FTE, visit fteleaders.org/about.

About Forum for Theological Exploration

The Forum for Theological Exploration is committed to cultivating diverse young adults to be faithful, wise and courageous leaders for the church and the academy. FTE provides resources and a forum for young adults and students to explore their purpose and call to pastoral ministry and teaching. For more information, visit fteleaders.org.