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FTE Awards $80,000 in North American Doctoral

Fellowships in Theology for 2004-2005
Fellowships Expand Commitment to Diversity in Theological Scholarship

ATLANTA, October 21, 2004 – To strengthen and enhance diversity in theological

education nationwide, The Fund for Theological Education (FTE) has awarded $80,000
in fellowships to 13 racial ethnic minority students as 2004-2005 North American
Doctoral Fellows.

The awards are given to students who are preparing for careers in teaching and
research at theological schools in North America and are enrolled full-time in Ph.D. or
Th.D. programs in religion or theology. Each student receives a $5,000 to $10,000
stipend. The FTE Fellowships provide assistance to students who otherwise might not
have the financial resources to compete their degree programs.

“These students are committed to teaching and scholarship – but pursuing a doctorate
can at times seem a long and lonely road,” said Dr. Sharon Watson Fluker, director of
Doctoral Programs at FTE. “This initiative aims to help them succeed, not only by
providing financial help, but by offering a network of support as they near the end of
their studies. We need their voices and talent in the academy – and this is a tangible
way to help get them there.”

The awards are supported by funds from the National Council of Churches in Christ in
the USA, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation and other sources. Applications for
 2
2005-2006 fellowships are now available; information can be found on the FTE web
site, www.thefund.org.

The 2004-2005 FTE North American Doctoral Fellows are:

• Rachel Bundang Union Theological Seminary

• Arturo Chavez
• Joanne Doi
• Cristina Garcia-Alfonso Brite Divinity School of TCU
• BaSean Jackson
• Walter Kim
• Vanessa Lovelace
• LeRhonda Manigault
• Oswald John Nira
• Nichole Phillips
• Josef Sorett
• Travis Tucker
• Alphonetta Wines
Iliff School of Theology
Graduate Theological Union
Emory University
Harvard University
Chicago Theological Seminary
Emory University
Catholic University of America
Vanderbilt University
Harvard University
Yale University
Brite Divinity School of TCU

In addition to its North American Doctoral Fellowships, FTE also awards Doctoral and
Dissertation Fellowships to African-American students as part of its Expanding Horizons
Program. FTE awarded $423,000 in Doctoral and Dissertation Fellowships this year.

The Fund for Theological Education is a leading national advocate for excellence and
diversity in Christian ministry. Its work centers on supporting the next generation of
leaders among pastors and scholars – providing fellowships and a network of support
for gifted young people from all denominations and racial ethnic backgrounds.

The Fund is also a resource for educational and faith communities, offering programs
that encourage high-quality candidates to explore vocations in ministry and teaching.
Since 1954, the Atlanta-based Fund has awarded more than 5,500 fellowships in
partnership with others committed to the future of quality leadership for the church.
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