Candler School of Theology Announces The Rev. Dr. P. Alice Rogers Scholarship Endowment

Emory University’s Candler School of Theology has announced the establishment of The Rev. Dr. P. Alice Rogers Scholarship Endowment, which will provide financial support for students pursuing a career in pastoral ministry. This scholarship endowment was made possible through the generosity of Mr. Donald H. Defoe and Mrs. Barbara E. Defoe of Atlanta.

The Rev. Dr. P. Alice Rogers serves as the Gainesville District Superintendent of The United Methodist Church and Associate Professor in the Practice of Practical Theology at Candler School of Theology. Rogers joined Candler in 2002 and directed Contextual Education II and the Teaching Parish Program, where she was responsible for the oversight and administration of the ecclesial placements for second-year Contextual Education students. With Rogers’ leadership, Candler’s Contextual Education program became a renowned national model across theological education. Both the Center for Faith and Service’s annual list of “Seminaries that Change the World” and Auburn Seminary’s “Bright Spots in Theological Education” report have highlighted Candler in large part due to the contextual education curriculum.

In addition to her contributions as a member of the Candler faculty, Rogers is a beloved pastor and leader in The United Methodist Church. She most recently served as pastor of Glenn Memorial UMC in Atlanta before becoming the Gainesville District Superintendent.

Mr. and Mrs. Defoe are longtime members of Glenn Memorial and faithful supporters and leaders at Candler School of Theology through the school’s Committee of 100.

The Defoes developed a strong friendship and deep respect for Rogers during her time as senior pastor of Glenn Memorial and through her leadership of the contextual education program as a member of the Candler faculty.

In reflecting on the motivation behind the special gift that established this scholarship in honor of Rogers, Don Defoe said, "When Barb and I think of what it means to be a Methodist in the 21st century we turn to Alice Rogers. She models the faith we share. Truth, grace, love and humility are her hallmarks. Her Christianity is quietly contagious and so authentic!

"The best professors touch the lives of their students. The best pastors touch the lives of their church members," Defoe continued. "Uniquely, Alice has done both. Alice Rogers touched our lives for the five years she served as senior pastor at Glenn Memorial. And so, it was quite natural that we chose to honor her with this scholarship endowment."