In a groundbreaking move to enhance theological education and research, Duke University’s Office of Black Church Studies (OBCS) has been awarded a generous $5 million grant from the Duke Endowment. This significant funding will establish the Bishop Joseph B. Bethea Professorship, aimed at recruiting and supporting a senior faculty member within the Divinity School. The announcement, made on October 3, highlights the Duke Endowment's commitment to fostering academic excellence and innovation in theological studies. The endowed professorship will empower the selected faculty member to engage in transformative research and field-defining work, enriching the academic landscape of the Divinity School and beyond.
Quinton Dixie, associate research professor of the history of Christianity in the United States and Black church studies, expressed his enthusiasm for the award, calling it a “wonderful opportunity” for students and the broader Duke Divinity School community. “Attracting a senior-level scholar of high caliber will have a tremendous impact on our student population,” Dixie stated. “This initiative not only enhances our academic offerings but also positions Duke as a leader in Black Church Studies.”
Duke Divinity School is already recognized as a pioneer, being the first theological school at a major research university to require its master of divinity students to take courses in Black Church Studies. This new professorship is expected to further elevate the program, providing students with unparalleled access to distinguished scholars and thought leaders in the field. Justice Hill, a third-year master of divinity student, emphasized the importance of Black theology in academic discourse. “This grant is a growing seed from the momentum we had during the 50th-year celebration of the Office of Black Church Studies,” Hill remarked. “It’s a testament to the commitment to study and celebrate Black theology.” Madison Daniel II, a fourth-year student in the dual master of divinity and master of public policy program, echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the Duke Endowment’s vision to revitalize and recommit to the Black Church. “This investment is crucial for reimagining the future of Black Church Studies,” he said.
The Duke Endowment is a private foundation and the largest donor to the University. It has a long history of supporting Duke and its health system. Since it started in 1924, it has given nearly $1.9 billion. This latest gift underscores the foundation’s dedication to advancing education and fostering diversity within theological studies.
In a groundbreaking move to enhance theological education and research, Duke University’s Office of Black Church Studies (OBCS) has been awarded a generous $5 million grant from the Duke Endowment. This significant funding will establish the Bishop Joseph B. Bethea Professorship, aimed at recruiting and supporting a senior faculty member within the Divinity School. The announcement, made on October 3, highlights the Duke Endowment's commitment to fostering academic excellence and innovation in theological studies. The endowed professorship will empower the selected faculty member to engage in transformative research and field-defining work, enriching the academic landscape of the Divinity School and beyond.
Quinton Dixie, associate research professor of the history of Christianity in the United States and Black church studies, expressed his enthusiasm for the award, calling it a “wonderful opportunity” for students and the broader Duke Divinity School community. “Attracting a senior-level scholar of high caliber will have a tremendous impact on our student population,” Dixie stated. “This initiative not only enhances our academic offerings but also positions Duke as a leader in Black Church Studies.”
Duke Divinity School is already recognized as a pioneer, being the first theological school at a major research university to require its master of divinity students to take courses in Black Church Studies. This new professorship is expected to further elevate the program, providing students with unparalleled access to distinguished scholars and thought leaders in the field. Justice Hill, a third-year master of divinity student, emphasized the importance of Black theology in academic discourse. “This grant is a growing seed from the momentum we had during the 50th-year celebration of the Office of Black Church Studies,” Hill remarked. “It’s a testament to the commitment to study and celebrate Black theology.” Madison Daniel II, a fourth-year student in the dual master of divinity and master of public policy program, echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the Duke Endowment’s vision to revitalize and recommit to the Black Church. “This investment is crucial for reimagining the future of Black Church Studies,” he said.
The Duke Endowment is a private foundation and the largest donor to the University. It has a long history of supporting Duke and its health system. Since it started in 1924, it has given nearly $1.9 billion. This latest gift underscores the foundation’s dedication to advancing education and fostering diversity within theological studies.