twenty-seventh and speedway

Senior fellowships recognizing excellence in academics, character, and promise for ministry are awarded to graduating senior students at the conclusion of MidWinter Lectures each year. The David L. Stitt Alumni Association Fellowship, The Pile-Morgan Fellowship, The Janie Maxwell Morris Fellowship, The Alsup-Frierson Fellowship for Excellence in Biblical Exegesis and Hermeneutics, and The W. P. Newell Memorial Fellowship encourage these students to continue their scholarship in ways that enhance their ministries. Meet the 2022 fellowship recipients here and learn why their professors championed them.

Rachel Watson | Houston, Texas, David L. Stitt Fellowship | $18,000 prize

“In this extraordinary time, Rachel has been an extraordinary leader at this seminary: pastorally, liturgically, theologically. She has shown us what it means to be ready: not just ready for our own tasks (though her own unfailing readiness is always astonishing), but ready for what God will do, helping us all to trust that however strange the calling or territory, God is faithful and will accompany us. Rachel has been among us for such a time as this. For such a time as may be next for her, we at Austin Seminary already know the blessings God will bring through her.” –Professor Eric Wall

David Kim | Seoul, South Korea, Pile-Morgan Fellowship | $8,000 prize

“David Kim dedicates himself to the careful study of Bible and theology, always with a heart for ministry and for a deeper personal understanding. That he does so with excellence and joy in a language and culture in no-way cognate to those of his home bears witness to his steadfast and gracious Christian character.” –Professor Margaret Aymer

Julia Burkley | Briarcliff Manor, New York, Janie Maxwell Morris Fellowship | $5,000 prize

“Julia is a born leader. While she knows her own mind, she is constantly curious about others. Her heart holds the burdens of individuals as well as the pains of the world. She has an amazing capacity to creatively engage emerging ideas as well as the smallest details. I am eager for her continued work in the academy and the church and grateful for her time here.” –Professor Jennifer Lord

Ashley Cuellar | Austin, Texas, Alsup-Frierson Fellowship for Excellence in Biblical Exegesis and Hermeneutics | $3,500 prize

“Serene, warm, and knowledgeable, Ashley is always a welcome presence, be it on a committee or in the classroom where she offers astute and wise comments. Most importantly, she is a fine exegete. Especially impressive is her thoughtful approach to and interpretation of the biblical text. Sensitive to wordplay, terms, themes, and their significance, Ashley’s interpretations keenly demonstrate that the biblical text is a living source of challenge and delight!” –Professor Suzie Park

Kevin Ireland | Emporia, Kansas, W. P. Newell Memorial Fellowship | $3,000 prize

“Kevin is one of the most joy-full, appreciative theologians I know. He encounters each new thinker and idea with genuine curiosity. He has proven himself a natural teacher both in the classroom and in the fellowship hall, gifted at inviting people to talk about their faith critically, as insiders committed to God’s work of reform. I look forward to witnessing how Kevin continues to not only describe the faith, but to shape it.” – Professor Cynthia Rigby