New Students Welcomed for Spring Semester

With the opening of the spring 2019 semester, nine students began their education at Bethany Theological Seminary in pursuit of a degree or certificate. Five are enrolled in the MDiv program, three are enrolled for graduate certificates, and one is enrolled in the MA program. In addition, two students who are completing a Certificate of Achievement in Theological Studies have enrolled to continue in the MDiv program, and one person has enrolled as an occasional student. Seven students are from the Church of the Brethren, with Mennonite Church USA, Evangelical Church Winning All (Nigeria), Pentecostal Powercity International (Dubai), and nondenominational traditions also represented.

Currently, four of the new students are participating in the Pillars and Pathways Residency Scholarship. Launched in fall 2018, this scholarship is an opportunity for students to complete seminary without incurring additional educational or consumer debt. In addition to maintaining eligibility for the Academic Excellence Scholarship, recipients commit to living in the Bethany Neighborhood, engaging in group reflection and campus activities, volunteering in the Richmond area, earning a set amount through employment and/or work study, and living within their means.

Karen Duhai, director of student development, oversees the scholarship. “The Pillars and Pathways Residency Scholarship program is full this semester with ten students participating. We are continuing to explore ways to make the program inclusive and accessible to students in a variety of life situations and, as a result, are pleased to have our first family living in the Bethany Neighborhood.”