ADMISSIONS: SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships
Generous donors throughout the years have provided continuing and endowed scholarship funds to assist qualified students in their desire to train for greater service in God’s kingdom. Some of these gifts are designed to honor a loved one or a respected Christian leader. Some of the funds are established simply as a way to support those studying for ministry. All of the funds bring honor to God and encouragement to students.
Three factors are considered in evaluating each applicant:
1) academic ability, 2) financial need and 3) promise
for Christian ministry.
Students wishing to apply for these scholarships can simply click here to download an application for scholarship.
Scholarships are awarded for one academic year, which begins with the fall semester and ends with the summer semester. Continuing students must reapply each year by March 1 before the academic year assistance is sought. Applications received after this date will be considered if funds are available. New students should include the application for scholarship with their application for admission.
Annual and Endowed Scholarships
AFRICAN-AMERICAN SCHOLARSHIP: Established by several predominantly black churches in Memphis to help African-Americans prepare for a lifetime of ministry in the church. Other churches and individuals are invited to contribute to this important fund.
D. MICHELLE H. DE AGUILAR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP: Established in 1997 by members of the West End Church of Christ in Nashville, Tenn., and other friends with initial gifts of $5,000 in memory and appreciation of Michelle de Aguilar, whose dedication, Christ-like example, and encouragement of preaching the gospel in Latin America have inspired many people. Earnings will provide scholarships for Latin American and other students in their preparation to become missionaries.
WILLIS AND EDDIE MAY ALSTON ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established in 1994 by Dr. and Mrs. Jack Lewis and Dr. and Mrs. Jack Alston in honor of Mrs. Lewis’ parents and Dr. Alston’s grandparents. Earnings from this fund will provide tuition assistance for students preparing for foreign or domestic mission work.
ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP: Made possible by funds contributed and raised by the Alumni Association each year.
MISS AVO ANDERSON ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established with a $50,000 gift from Miss Anderson to prepare ministers to preach, counsel and teach the Gospel. During her 43 years of teaching in elementary and high schools in Gainesboro, Tenn., and at Algood and Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, Tenn., “Miss Avo” effectively taught thousands of students, many who became Gospel preachers, including Dr. Bill Flatt, professor of counseling and previous dean at the Graduate School.
ASSOCIATED WOMEN FOR HARDING—MEMPHIS CHAPTER—ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established in 1995, when the Memphis Chapter of the Associated Women for Harding endowed a $5,000 contribution for graduate students at Harding University Graduate School of Religion. Scholarship funds are made possible by fund-raising activities of the Memphis Chapter of the Associated Women for Harding. It is hoped that other contributions will be made by AWH and friends. The Memphis Chapter also contributes to the Associated Women for Harding Scholarship established at Harding University for freshman students.
WILLIAM H. BALDY JR. ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established by his wife and children for the purpose of preparing men and women for work in foreign missions, applicants must be believers in the virgin birth, have read the Bible through, must maintain a satisfactory grade point average and have a good reputation among faculty and students.
BELLFORT CHURCH OF CHRIST ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: When the MacGregor Park Church in Houston, Texas, sold its property and merged with the congregation meeting on Bellfort, the elders used $100,000 of the proceeds to establish a fund that will annually provide tuition assistance for 15 or more students.
GEORGE AND MARGUERITE O’BANION BENSON ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established by Mrs. Benson in the fall of 1979. Earnings will provide scholarship aid for outstanding young men who are preparing for the ministry. The recipient will be selected annually by a committee of the Graduate School faculty.
THE RUSS AND ROSEMARY BURCHAM ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established by a generous contribution from the Burchams in 1998 for the purpose of helping worthy students prepare for a lifetime of ministry. Dr. Burcham has served on the Board of Trustees of Harding University and as an elder of the Slicer Street Church of Christ in Kennett, Mo., for many years.
DENNIS A. CAMPBELL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established in 1997 by Mrs. Campbell and their children in memory and in honor of Mr. Campbell’s love and support for those who preach the Gospel. Earnings from this fund will provide tuition assistance to full-time students at the Graduate School during the semester or academic year for which the scholarship is issued. Applicant must be preparing for full-time ministry as a pulpit preacher in churches of Christ with a major in Bible, and he must maintain a 3.00 GPA.
HADAYAT DIN ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established in 2001 by Wasim and Laura Khokhar in honor of Dr. Hadayat and Shakuntla Din to provide financial assistance to Pakistan students preparing for mission work in Pakistan or any other foreign country. Dr. Hadayat Din is a 1979 graduate of Harding University Graduate School of Religion.
DURHAM SCHOLARS PROGRAM: Established as a grant by Mr. Tom Durham through the D.W. Durham Foundation to provide financial assistance to students who are at least 55 years of age. A consideration will be made for a deserving student no less than 50 years of age.
FIKE-CROPPER SCHOLARSHIP: W. Don and Bonnie Cropper Fike established this scholarship in appreciation for their parents, Walter H. & Belle Fike and Silas C. & Opha Cropper, whose hospitality, encouragement and support of Gospel preachers and the preaching of the Gospel of Christ has blessed many lives.
DR. BILL FLATT ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FOR GREEK STUDIES: Established in 1994 with a $20,000 gift by two long-time friends of Dr. Flatt to honor him for his 29 years of dedicated service to the Graduate School as registrar and assistant to the dean, professor of counseling and dean/CEO. Other friends and family have subsequently added contributions to this worthy effort. Earnings from this fund will provide tuition assistance to promising students for enrollment in intermediate or seminar-level Greek courses.
JESSE W. AND MAUDE G. FOX ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established by an initial gift of $50,000 from their daughter, Donna Fox Stroup; her husband, George; and their grandchildren, Lucy and Andrew, to enable dedicated students to continue their education for Christian ministry. To assist in Harding Graduate School’s initiative to reach out to the black community, preference in awarding the scholarship(s) will be given to African-American students studying for the ministry of preaching, Christian education or counseling. This designation reflects the work that Jesse and Maude did during the 1950s and 60s in supporting the establishment of African-American congregations in the Memphis, Tenn., area and honors a great Christian couple who were part of a community of Christians who purchased the property on which the Graduate School now stands.
MURREL HAASE ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established by Mr. Haase with an initial gift of $10,000 to be used to provide scholarships for Graduate School students.
NEHON HAGLER ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established in 1998 by Mrs. Ann Hagler and their children in memory of Mr. Hagler’s love and appreciation for ministers of the Gospel. Earnings from this fund will assist applicants preparing for full-time ministry in churches of Christ with a major in Bible and maintaining a 3.00 GPA.
DR. HAROLD HAZELIP ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established when Dr. Hazelip, the second dean of Harding University Graduate School of Religion, left the school to become President of Lipscomb University. Friends of Dr. Hazelip began the growing fund (rather than giving him a gift) at his request and because of his regard for the training given at the school.
HENNING CHURCH OF CHRIST ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established by the Henning Church of Christ in Ripley, Tenn., to provide financial assistance to Graduate School students.
JOSHUA MARK HICKS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established in 1996 by his father, Dr. John Mark Hicks, and his grandmother, Mrs. Edith Lois Hicks, to honor Joshua Mark Hicks. Earnings from this fund will provide tuition assistance to students preparing for full-time ministry in the churches of Christ.
TED AND ELIZABETH HILDERBRAND SCHOLARSHIP: Established to honor the Christian efforts to evangelize Japan. Elizabeth is a relative of John Moody McCaleb, an early 20th century missionary to Japan, whose original home stands preserved today as an historical site in Tokyo. In honor of McCaleb’s dedication to his part of the world and the close ties Ted and Elizabeth have developed with Graduate School students from Japan, preference will be given to Japanese applicants desiring to study in the area of preaching, Christian education or counseling. Ted and Elizabeth feel the Graduate School graduates working in Japan have proven to be extremely dedicated and an outstanding tribute to the early influence of J.M. McCaleb.
THE M.A. HULL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND: Established with an initial gift of $50,000 by the Midtown Church of Christ to support promising full-time African-American students as they prepare for a lifetime of ministry. The recipients must be recommended by the Midtown Church of Christ and be a part of the life and worship there, unless otherwise specified and agreed upon by the recipient and the Midtown Church. An additional $50,000 was raised in the spring of 2000 to bring the total endowed gift to $100,000.
THE ELLA HUNGERFORD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP: Established in 2000 by Don and Ella Hungerford in Memphis, Tenn. Earnings from this fund will assist applicants preparing for full-time pulpit ministry in churches of Christ in the United States. The applicant must have a major in Bible and maintain a 3.00 GPA.
E. H. IJAMS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP IN MINISTRY: Established in 2001 by brethren at the Highland Street congregation in Memphis, Tenn., in honor of brother and sister Ijams’ dedication to Christian education and to the concept of congregations becoming “teaching churches.” In his 92 years, Dr. Ijams served in many capacities in schools and churches in Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Tennessee. This scholarship will provide funds for training men and women to serve the Lord’s church effectively for decades to come.
HOUSTON T. KARNES ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established by Mrs. Julia McDaniel Karnes in memory of her husband. Dr. Karnes had been a member of the Harding University Board of Trustees since 1950 and, at the time of his death on March 7, 1980, was chairman of the Board of Trustees’ Committee for the Graduate School. The fund is expected to provide scholarship assistance for several students. No more appropriate means of honoring Dr. Karnes could be found than that of aiding young people to prepare for better service to the church.
NICK AND MARY KOSMITIS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established in 2000 by Nick Kosmitis, a 1961 graduate of Harding University Graduate School of Religion, and his wife, Mary, to provide financial assistance for students studying for full-time ministry in churches of Christ.
MARY GRIFFIE COOK LEWIS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established in 1993 in memory of Mary Griffie Cook Lewis to provide tuition aid for students concentrating in Bible.
KATIE N. LORREN ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established through the largest estate gift ever received by the Graduate School, over $200,000. Its intent is to provide tuition assistance for students engaged in the study and preparation as ministers of the Gospel.
MARY M. LUTHER ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established by family and friends in 1998. Earnings will be used to assist qualified students in their preparation for ministry.
MARKS CHURCH OF CHRIST ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established in 1996 by the last remaining members of the Marks, Miss., Church of Christ. The Marks congregation has long been associated with the Graduate School, providing pulpit opportunities to many students over the years. Through this scholarship, the congregation will continue to play an active role in the training of ministers and missionaries.
MARTIN CHURCH OF CHRIST SCHOLARSHIP: Established by the elders of the Martin Church of Christ in Martin, Tenn., to provide financial assistance for young men from Tennessee who are preparing for full-time ministry in churches of Christ.
CALVIN EARL AND ORIA BOLT MCCLAIN ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established by their daughter, Olga Sain, in 1997 in memory of Earl and Oria B. McClain, and in honor of Drs. Jack Lewis and Earl West. Earnings will be used to assist qualified students in their preparation to become pulpit ministers.
HULETTE J. AND MAXIE O’DANIEL MASSIE ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established by family and friends through memorial gifts. This scholarship will provide assistance for several students in their preparation for ministry.
DR. T.O. MORRIS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established with a gift of $15,000 by his grandson. Earnings will be used to assist deserving students who are preparing for the ministry.
MOUNT PLEASANT CHURCH OF CHRIST FUND FOR FACULTY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Established with an initial grant of $50,000. Generally, the fund will afford faculty members opportunities to: (1) enrich their faith and deepen their commitment; (2) broaden their perspectives and outlook; and (3) stay on the cutting edge of intellectual thought through meeting and interacting with other scholars and peers.
MOUNT PLEASANT CHURCH OF CHRIST ENDOWED FUND FOR RESTORATION MOVEMENT MINISTRY: This scholarship was established with a $100,000 contribution by the Mount Pleasant Church of Christ in Wilmington, Del. The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarships at Harding University Graduate School of Religion for students from colleges other than those related to a cappella churches of Christ who plan to work within the Restoration Movement. The scholarships are open to both men and women of all races.
JO P. MURPHEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP: Established in 1992 by Mrs. Murphey’s husband and children to provide support to international students who plan to return to their native country as missionaries.
NANCE-BROYLES SCHOLARSHIP: Funds contributed to this scholarship were given in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Boyce N. Nance and Mrs. Josephine Broyles for students “who use the King James Version of the Bible and plan to do mission work after graduation.”
PORTER ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established by a generous gift from Robert M. Porter Sr. of Como, Miss., in honor of his children, Virginia Porter Graves, Robert M. Porter Jr., and L. Embree Porter, to help prepare effective ministers of the Gospel.
OLGA MCCLAIN SAIN ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established in June 1999 by Mr. Eugene Sain in honor of his wife who passed away later that year. This scholarship provides assistance to students who have at least a “B” average and are preparing for full-time ministry as pulpit preachers.
SANDERSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP: Begun in 1992 by Leon Sanderson as a living memorial to his father, L.O. Sanderson (preacher, teacher and hymn writer); mother, Rena Raye Woodring Sanderson (who taught at Harding College); and sister, Lloydene Sanderson Wall (who worked at the Graduate School)—all supporters of the University and its Graduate School of Religion in Memphis in particular. Worthy students preparing for ministry in churches of Christ profit from interest on funds given by churches and individuals who wish to honor the Sandersons.
DORIS SAWERS SCHOLARSHIP FUND: Established in 2001 by Mrs. Doris Sawers to promote the furtherance of Christian ministry by providing financial assistance to Harding University Graduate School of Religion students.
HOLLIS AND LEAH SCOTT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP: The Scotts were active supporters of Christian education throughout their lives. In Mrs. Scott’s last years, she became very interested in the training of missionaries and ministers at the Harding Graduate School. Their financial and property gifts, as well as advice and encouragement, touched many lives.
DR. AND MRS. JOHN A. SCOTT SR. ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Begun in 1995 in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary. They both have been involved in Christian ministry throughout their marriage. In addition, Dr. Scott taught counseling at the Graduate School for many years.
M.A. AND MARGARET SHELTON FOREIGN MISSIONS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established in 1997 in memory of M.A. and Margaret Shelton by their sons and their families. Earnings will be used to provide scholarships for students preparing to serve as missionaries.
SLATE MISSIONS SCHOLARSHIP: Established in memory of John Carl Slate and designed to provide tuition help for students committed to evangelizing in neglected areas of the world.
DONALD L. STEVENS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established by the East Wood Church of Christ, Paris, Tenn., in honor of the work and life of Don Stevens. Recipients must be currently enrolled at the Graduate School, maintain a satisfactory grade point average and have a good reputation among faculty and students.
KENNETH AND BILLIE THOMASON ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established in 1989 by Eddie and Pam (Thomason) Mosby in honor of the Thomasons’ “lives of Christian service.” This fund provides tuition assistance for a student who is seriously preparing for preaching or missions. Application should be made through the dean’s office.
WALTER L. TRUSSELL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established by Mrs. Naomi H. Trussel in memory of her husband, who died in 1971. Earnings from this fund will be used in assisting ministerial students.
W. ALLEN AND FANNIE DAI WALKER ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established in their memory by family, friends and churches whose lives were touched by this Christian couple. Earnings will be used to assist deserving students who are preparing to become pulpit ministers.
JOHNNY DONAGHEY WALLACE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP: Miss Johnny Donaghey Wallace of Conway, Ark., died in 1956, leaving the major portion of her estate in a foundation, the net income from which is to be used by the trustees of the foundation for the education of ministers in the church of Christ who meet certain qualifications for assistance.
LUTHER M. AND MARY LOU WELCH ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP: Established to honor their parents, John L. and Nevlie Welch and Willie and Blanch VanDyke, from Alamo, Tenn.
VELMA R. WEST MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP: Established in memory of the late Mrs. West, first Greek teacher at the Harding University Graduate School of Religion. She was also the wife of the founding dean of the School, Dr. W.B. West Jr.
LEWIS SCHOLAR ENDOWMENT: Lewis scholarships are full-tuition scholarships for students with a proven record of the highest level of academic performance and ministry skill. The scholarships, funded by generous donors as detailed below, honor the life and work of three individuals whose work has left an indelible mark on the Graduate School.
Dr. Jack Lewis was one of the first faculty members at the Graduate School and he set the bar of academic excellence high. His twin doctorates in New Testament (Harvard) and Old Testament (Hebrew Union) and his eleven books and over 300 articles have made Dr. Lewis a central figure in the academic life of the Graduate School.
Mrs. Annie May Lewis served as the first professional librarian at the Graduate School. In her twenty-one years in that capacity, the library grew into a center for learning that was capable of meeting the academic expectations of the students. She developed the course now called Advanced Theological Research, which still ensure students have the skills they need to access the tools of a comprehensive theological library.
Mr. Clyde Lewis came out of retirement to serve as a volunteer in the library, exceeding all records for volunteer hours at the Graduate School. He was instrumental in digitizing the card catalog so that students from around the world could have access to the libraryís cataloging information.
THE OLIVER E. ROGERS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP IN PASTORAL MINISTRY AND CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: In appreciation for his father, Oliver E. Rogers, Sherman Rogers with his wife, Julie, endowed this scholarship. Oliver E. Rogers ministered to only two congregations of God’s people during his full-time ministry of 50 years. Each of those congregations experienced tremendous growth, numerically and spiritually. After his retirement from the second of those churches, brother Rogers was asked to serve as an elder for that congregation. This endowment will provide a full scholarship for an outstanding student.
THE CLEATON F. CROSBY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP IN SMALL CHURCH MINISTRY: Cleaton Crosby was a U.S. postman who had a deep and abiding love for the Lord’s church. He was a faithful itinerant preacher for almost 30 years, preaching on Sundays for various congregations (most of them very small) of God’s people in Arkansas and Oklahoma. In appreciation for his grandfather’s lifelong ministry to small churches, Sherman Rogers with his wife, Julie, endowed this scholarship. This endowment will provide a full scholarship to a deserving student intent on serving small churches.
