CTS grad student receives prestigious fellowship

Carmen Lansdowne, a member of the Canadian Theological Society and doctoral student at the Graduate Theologial Union, has received a substantial fellowship from the Fund for Theological Education. Lansdowne was recognized as a 2010 North American Doctoral Fellow. As an FTE Fellow, Lansdowne will receive a stipend of up to $20,000 for expenses from FTE, an ecumenical nonprofit organization that advocates for excellence and diversity in pastoral ministry and theological scholarship.

FTE supports rising scholars from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups who plan to teach religion, theology and biblical studies in theological schools and universities. About one-third of North American theological schools report they do not have a person of color on their faculties. FTE fosters excellence in the theological academy by identifying talented racial/ethnic doctoral students, accelerating successful completion of their Ph.D. degree programs, and providing professional development opportunities. The retention rate for students in FTE Doctoral Programs is over 90 percent; 79 percent of program alumni since 1998 now teach at theological schools or universities.

“The pace of change to a pluralistic society adds a sense of urgency to this work of developing diverse educators to teach, lead and serve diverse communities,” said Dr. Sharon Watson Fluker, FTE Vice President for Doctoral Programs and Administration.

FTE supports the next generation of leaders among pastors and scholars, annually awarding $1.5 million in fellowships and support to gifted young people from all denominations and racial/ethnic backgrounds. Since 1954, FTE has awarded more than 6,000 fellowships; its alumni serve congregations, schools and communities around the world. For more information, visit www.fteleaders.org.

Lansdowne is an alumna of Vancouver School of Theology, an ordained minister in the United Church of Canada, and member of the World Council of Churches Central Committee.

Substantial portions of this notice were derived from a press release issued by the Graduate Theological Union.