A Moment for Mission
"For we are God's servants, working together; you are God's field, God's building." —1 Corinthians 3:9, NRSV
Recently, Philander Smith College and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law announced a joint effort to create a 4+3 pipeline program. Philander Smith is one of United Methodism's 11 historically black colleges and universities supported by the Black College Fund.
The partnership guarantees acceptance to Bowen for Philander Smith graduates who meet specific criteria.
"Bowen consistently attracts quality applicants," said Matthew Kerns, assistant dean of admissions. "With competition to enter the law school increasing, these programs reinforce our commitment to Philander Smith students and the Little Rock community and ensure that highly motivated graduates have spots at the law school."
To qualify for the 4+3 program, Philander Smith alumni must earn a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.40, score 154 or higher on the Law School Admissions Test and have no character or fitness issues that would disqualify them from admission to the bar.
Bowen also offers a 25 percent tuition scholarship to accepted students who earn a bachelor's degree from an Arkansas historically black college or university.
"We are incredibly gratified to be a partner with the Bowen School of Law," said Roderick L. Smothers Sr., Philander Smith College president. "As an institution rooted and grounded in social justice, we aim to graduate leaders who are equipped to fight inequality. This opportunity aligns with our mission, ensuring that legal scholars will be well prepared for the front lines of service."
—Adapted from Philander Smith College website, Oct. 18, 2019
Offertory Prayer
Loving God, you call us to work together for you. Help us to encourage one another through spiritual and emotional support as well as by giving generously. In your name, we pray. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries: Sixth Sunday after Epiphany — God of all creation, the offering we bring to your altar this day is the fruit of our labors; and we want to bring you the best we have. No harvest comes from us alone but starts in your goodness; and many have contributed to every good gift we bring. Working together in your fields, generous God, we pray that our gifts might be used to bless others who hunger for connection with you. We pray in the name of Christ, our savior and redeemer. Amen. (1 Corinthians 3:1-9)
Newsletter Nugget
Did you know that when United Methodist congregations give to the Black College Fund, they also support a medical school? Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Meharry Medical College is one of the nation's oldest and largest historically black academic health science centers dedicated to educating physicians, dentists, researchers and health policy experts. Founded in 1876 as the Medical Department of Central Tennessee College, Meharry was the first medical school in the South for African-Americans.
Today, Meharry includes medical, dental and graduate schools and is home to the Center for Health Policy at Meharry. The school offers a variety of degrees, including doctor of medicine, doctor of dental surgery, master of science in public health, master of health sciences and doctor of philosophy.
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The Association of American Medical Colleges reported that among the U.S. medical schools that graduated 350 or more black or African-American physicians between 1980 and 2012, Meharry Medical College had the second-highest number of graduates: 2,005.
Thank you!
—Adapted from Meharry Medical College and AAMC websites