Thota is active in the Theology, Medicine, and Culture Initiative and the Just Peace movement. She also has earned certificates in Theology, Medicine, and Culture and Black Church Studies.
I was born in Chicago, Ill., and raised in Wichita Falls, Tex. I went to Texas A&M University for undergraduate and medical school. Now I am general surgery resident at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, in Newark, N.J. My parents became believers right before I was born, and the first church they attended was a Baptist church. I have now been part of the Black Church community for the last five years, but I do not claim a specific denomination. As my mother said, I go where the gospel is being preached.
In 2021- 2022, I participated in the Hybrid Certificate in Theology and Healthcare (CTHC) during my surgical residency. The impact of that time led me to leave surgical residency for a year and be part of the residential TMC this year. To pursue a deeper theological understanding amid the most difficult medical residencies meant I was seeking answers I could not find in my everyday job. I sought a sustainable hope that would surpass the darkest days of residency, and I found that hope through the CTHC through the principles of accompaniment, community, and sabbath. I came to TMC to build upon what I learned in the CTHC.
God has specifically called me to serve the Palestinian people through the vocation of surgery. I look forward to going back to finish my final years of training so my vocation will be able to serve my calling.
My time at Duke Divinity has been significant in helping me find my beloved community. This community does not see the ethic of justice as a theoretical concept limited to the classroom. I have met other students committed to the church being a prophetic voice for just peace for all people, no matter the consequences of the suppression of free speech we face.
The Ethics and Politics of Martin Luther King was one of the best classes I have taken in any form of school. We finally could study King on his own terms—not the Disney-fied version that tokenizes him one day a year. At the end of the day, King was a local Black preacher committed to the gospel of liberation. He shows us that the gospel mandates a transformation of our social conditions.
Dr. Patrick Smith is a real one. He is objectively one of the busiest human beings, but he always will make time for an impromptu conversation about the things that matter most. He is an incredible sounding board for ideas and always has wisdom to share to transform righteous anger into collective good.
They did not come for institutionalized education to not end up changing the world. I am so excited to see how God leads them individually and collectively towards their callings and vocations.
I will return to New Jersey to finish my last two years of General Surgery residency. I will apply for surgical oncology fellowship—only God knows where that will be.
I am the owner of the Animal Ark Veterinary Hospital in my hometown of Elkin, N.C., where I am a veterinarian. I also pastor a local church.
I am most excited to begin the change in vocation from ownership of a veterinary hospital to a more ministry-focused vocation as pastor and missionary work as a veterinarian and for the deaf.
All the preaching courses and the English Reformation course. Preaching courses gave me valuable practical tips in my everyday tasks as a pastor. English Reformation was the only class where I got to explore a topic of my own interest from a religious and historical perspective.
Dr. Polly Ha was my favorite Divinity School professor. She was extremely well-organized and structured but allowed for discussions to take their own way. She stimulated each individual student's interests and provided relevant insight into the research topics that the students wanted to pursue. She was intelligent, approachable, and very kind and understanding to all students. I once saw her stop what she was doing and pray individually with a student having a crisis. I was deeply moved by her authentic concern for the student's well-being.
Their openness towards all of the people in the class. My peers have always there for support and have shown nothing but love, kindness, and fellowship to myself and each other.
Yes, I plan to do more ministry work at home and continuing abroad. As a child of a deaf adult (CODA) and a veterinarian, I would like to use these skills in a more ministerial way.
McClellan has also earned the Certificate in Faith-Based Organizing and the Certificate in Baptist Studies.
I am from Currituck, N.C. and grew up in and was baptized at Providence Baptist Church. I attended UNC Chapel Hill for my undergraduate studies, where I earned a degree in journalism and global studies. In addition to my studies at Duke, I also work full time as a reporter covering education in North Carolina, and as a freelance reporter covering Christian higher education at Christianity Today.
From a young age I have had an interest in discussing theology and faith. In high school and college, I had various opportunities to teach youth about the Bible and really enjoyed that. At the same time, I also developed an interest professionally in covering religion journalism. While looking into Duke Divinity's application, I discovered the school had just started its hybrid M.Div. program. It was the perfect fit for me! I am grateful for the opportunity to continue working and discerning my future career path and role in the church while also engaging in deep and meaningful theological studies.
Though the week is typically very exhausting, I am very grateful for its inclusion in the program. I think the dynamic of the online portion of the semester would be completely different without the in-person time on the front end. I also think our cohort has been able to create really great memories and friendships during the intensive weeks that would have been difficult to create/maintain without the in-person weeks. My cohort has truly been the best and most unexpected part of my time at Duke. I've made some lifelong friends here, which I did not enter expecting to do—particularly because of the online nature of the program.
I probably would not have been able to attend Duke Divinity's residential program—despite my interest—due to financial concerns. I was committed to not having to take out any loans to pursue my M.Div., which really only ended up being possible once I found out about the hybrid modality that would allow me to keep working full-time. Because I am also still figuring out exactly how I will use my degree, I think the hybrid modality allowed me to pursue this degree with less pressure on its "ROI."
I completed my field education with Christianity Today's news team! It was really great to combine my news reporting experience with some theological and professional guidance/mentorship from my placement supervisor.
Intro to Preaching with Dr. Jerusha Neal was one of the best classes I have ever taken. Before taking this class, I did not see myself as a person capable of preaching, and this class changed that (while also giving me an even deeper appreciation for preachers). Intro to Old Testament with Dr. Collin Cornell also stands out to me from my time at Duke. This was one of the first classes I took, and really affirmed to me that I had made the right decision by pursuing my M.Div. Dr. Cornell approached the Bible with such humility and knowledge, and helped me see how you can read the Bible critically while also believing it is inspired by God.
I would love to move toward doing more religion reporting after Duke, and getting more formally involved in the youth group at my church. My husband and I recently moved to Georgia, so it has taken some time to get settled at a new church in the area.
Long has been active in La Union Latina, the Hispanic House of Studies, Divinity Student Council, and the Hispanic House Mentorship Program. She has also earned certificates in Baptist Studies and Latinx Studies.
I am proudly from Riverside, Calif. My home church was a megachurch with evangelical flavoring, and later formally joined the SBC. I went to Baylor University and got a degree in psychology with minors in gender and women studies and religion. I am still a Baptist, but I align more with Alliance and CBF.
I had no idea seminary was a thing you could do until I went to college. I had a lot of questions about God and the church that I had hoped seminary would answer. I had a mentor and many professors in school who pushed me to explore seminary and especially Duke. Duke Divinity was the opportunity for me to not only challenge my intellectual understandings, but the time to discern my calling.
I get most excited about ministry when it comes to spiritual formation of congregations and how to disciple Christians well, especially their youth and college students. They are the future of the church and our society. I am super passionate about helping them not only cultivate their knowledge about God, but also their sense of the Holy Spirit in their life, their sense of self, and how they want to contribute to the world. It is imperative we take our youth seriously.
A couple of courses have impacted me—Pneumatology, Anti-Racist Preaching, Doctrine of Creation, and the Liturgical Calendar. However, my favorite and most impactful course was Chicana Theory of Pastoral Care with Dr. Arelis Benítez. Not only did we get to read Chicana authors and theologians, but it incorporated so many practical, psychological, and spiritual tools when thinking about the care of people and marginalized populations. It gave me a framework for how to think for my own care, but also how to love people deeply.
Dr. Peter Casarella 100%. The man is an academic through and through, and yet if you get the chance to get to know him, you realize that he deeply loves God. He advocates for his students strongly, enlightens them about the beauty of Catholicism, is deeply involved in the local church, and is always willing to write a recommendation letter. Dr. Casarella was the first professor of mine to actually read through my work and take it seriously enough to encourage me to submit it elsewhere. As my student org advisor, I cannot thank him enough for always inviting students to participate and providing opportunities to Latine students.
I would have taken a Project Turn class, especially with Rev. Dr. Sarah Jobe.
I will get ordained in my local Baptist Church and see where the Spirit guides me. I know I have a calling to go back home to California, but I am not sure what that will look like.
Hill is president of the Black Seminarians Union. He has also earned certificates in Preaching, Black Church Studies, and Baptist Studies.
God led me to Duke Divinity School, and I am so grateful for this life-giving experience. One thing that really stood out to me about Duke was the community. The people were so loving and kind, and I felt like I would be in a space where I could be challenged while also being cared for. Also, when I visited campus for the first time I felt so welcomed, and it felt like home. I also spoke with alumni who shared that their Duke experience was transformative and added to their ministerial development in a positive way. I also appreciated that Duke offered a space where I could grow as both a preacher and scholar.
I am excited to preach God's word and make a positive impact in the church and community. I have passions for social justice and am excited to allow the word of God to be proclaimed in the church and lived out in the community. I am also excited about the great work that God is going to do through me as a vessel for his glory.
Duke has prepared me to have theological dialogue with people from different backgrounds and denominations in a helpful way. Through my leadership roles, Duke has also granted me opportunities to grow in areas to include preaching, pastoral care, and ministerial leadership. Through the courses, conferences, conversations, and field education placements I feel prepared to serve wherever God calls me to in this next season.
My preaching course taught by Dr. Luke Powery was very impactful because it gave me new skills and approaches to preach the word of God.
My favorite professor is Dr. Valerie Cooper. Her courses are extremely engaging and applicable to ministry. I also appreciate how in her courses, even with the academic nature, the Holy Spirit was never lost in translation.
I appreciate their kindness, care, and support. My peers at Duke have also encouraged through my courses and have supported me through study groups. Having a group of people that I could depend on has truly been a blessing.
I plan to pursue pastoral ministry.
Peeler has earned the Certificate in Food, Faith, and Environmental Justice, bakes bread for communion, and is part of the Presbyterian/Reformed House of Studies.
I grew up in a Presbyterian church, went to an episcopal elementary, middle, and high school, studied agricultural engineering in college, and was drawn to a Duke—a Methodist seminary—because of the work of professors like Dr. Norman Wirzba and Dr. Ellen Davis, who focus on theologies of land, food, and creation.
I'm energized and excited to journey with folks as they think critically about engaging their faith (and their faithful doubts and questions) with the hurting world around them. I'm especially drawn to faith spaces that are engaged in environmental and climate justice work. I'm also proud to be pursuing ordination in the PC(USA). I'm grateful for the ways my denomination, the Reformed House of Studies, and many mentors at Duke and beyond have affirmed and supported my call to ministry.
I've been stretched and pulled to study, learn, and worship with people who think very differently than I do (politically, theologically, etc.) and I don't doubt that I have stretched and pulled them as well! Though it has been difficult at times, I think learning in this type of environment is important formation for stepping into the polarized world of Christian ministry in the U.S. in 2025.
I am oh-so-grateful for the friendship and mentorship of "the Kevins" and Chandler (more formally Rev. Dr. Kevin Bates, Rev. Dr. Kevin Miller, and Rev. Chandler Ragland) as well as the time spent working in Black Mountain, N.C. in the summer of 2023. That summer I learned that sometimes ministry looks like doing some amateur electrical work, sometimes it looks like planting a garden, and sometimes it looks like preaching on Sunday. I will forever be grateful for the lessons in creativity, hospitality, and in the wake of Helene resilience and neighborly care the community taught and will continue teaching me.
I took a class on Ecclesiastes and Esther called Palace Intrigue with Dr. Ellen Davis and Dr. Laura Lieber. For better or worse—but I think mostly better—since that class, Ecclesiastes has become the book I go to most often for guidance. I appreciated the way we dove so deeply into the book, into Qohelet's words, and as a class embodied the writer's ever-expanding search for wisdom. That class encouraged me not to be satisfied with easy answers and instead taught me that there's always more to learn about God, life, and each other from countless examples of divine wisdom in the world around us.
Dr. Davis, in all of her years of teaching and wisdom, still comes to every class with a sense of curiosity and humility. She is the best example I've seen of a lifelong learner, and it has been such a gift to learn from and with her.
Mejia has been active in Hispanic House of Studies and the Hispanic Latino Pastoral Initiative.
I grew up in a predominantly Latin American immigrant Pentecostal church in Los Angeles.
Duke Divinity provided an opportunity to work and study with their flexible hybrid program. I value the opportunity to actively apply what I am learning to my current work context working in nonprofit fundraising.
My classes have taught me to ask good questions, share compassion, and listen to all of God's children and God's creation. I am excited to see how what I have learned informs future interactions with prospects, donors, and the community at large through nonprofit work.
During my first year, Residential Immersive week was brutal—it was really intense, and it felt like there wasn't enough time to do all the readings, papers, and assignments in 4-5 days for 2-3 classes. After the first few intensives, the residential week has become more enjoyable now that I have been able to establish good relationships and friendships. I really enjoy being able to have the one-on-one time with professors in person.
Caring for Creation with Dr. Michelle Lewis inspired me to modify my approach to creation care and take tangible steps such as reducing my carbon footprint and reducing food waste as acts of worship and resistance to overconsumption.
Dr. Collin Cornell has been the best professor I have ever had. I am so grateful that my cohort got to take Old Testament 1 & 2 with him because it greatly shaped my experiences as a first-year student.
Success looks like continuing to foster my curiosity and reading the books I did not get to finish in class. Success looks like continuing to reach out to my Divinity School friends to discuss old and new books we are reading that have helped us in life, work, and ministry.
I plan to continue working in fundraising and branch out to working in nonprofits outside of higher education. I am most interested in nonprofits working with migrants, Latinx community, creation care, and other facets of environmentalism and preservation.
I grew up fundamentalist, went to a school for my undergrad that wasn't quite fundamentalist, but really evangelical.
I realized I wanted a more well-rounded understanding of theology. I spoke to some professors from my undergrad, and Duke was the only option in my head.
I'm incredibly passionate about bringing high theology concepts to students as a youth minister. If I understood the Apostles’ Creed when I was in high school, I think I'd be where I am spiritually much earlier.
The community in my cohort is amazing. I enjoyed the ability to just dive into theology with people who are at the same level as me (or higher) in ways I couldn't in my local congregation.
I knew I had a passion for the church, and made the deal with the church I was at that I would only pursue an online degree so that they could still be my priority. I didn't realize how much I needed the experience I would get from Duke, and I wouldn't have it if I didn't have the hybrid option.
My cohort is full of the most caring and brilliant Christians I've ever met. I've had job opportunities, pastoral care, and people to talk to that I have helped me through some of the toughest things I've gone through!
Dr. Daniel Train has been one of the best influences on my scholarly abilities at Duke. I feel like my writing skills were pretty much non-existent before taking his courses. Everything I've taken from Dr. Train has been incredible. I feel like his classes have taken me to another level of a thinker and pushed me to explore details I wouldn't have known how to handle before.
They are not just willing, but excited, to be able to help others. It's incredible!
I will be working at the church I am at now as a youth minister, pursuing ordination. I plan to take time off before pursuing any kind of doctorate.
Nuñez has been active in La Unión Latina and has earned a Certificate in Latinx Studies. Her M.T.S. work has focused on history, and she served as a graduate research assistant for Bass Connections working group on exile, diaspora, and interreligious dialogue.
I am from the marshlands and beaches of the Chesapeake Bay in Southern Virginia. I grew up intimately relating to the Holy Spirit and was drawn to church-hopping at an early age. It was only after getting involved in social activism that I began feeling anchored in my faith.
I am a writer and a fundraiser for social causes. I'm passionate about building relationships between communities who strive for a healthy and fully participatory democracy.
Duke Divinity has allowed me the time and resources to hone my convictions and develop an unshakable faith in our merciful and just God, making me a stronger communicator of important ideas.
Global Readings of Christian Scripture. Studying Biblical interpretations from outside of my perspective has broadened my imagination for our shared global faith and connected me to our kindred in Global South.
Dr. Peter Casarella: I think I've taken all of his classes. He is a living encyclopedia of knowledge and exudes curiosity.
I have been struck by how loving and encouraging my classmates are, even when we have been struggling through finals and other difficult moments!
Success looks like continuing to center my Christian convictions after graduating from my seminary formation.
I am seeking opportunities to do development work for organizations working towards social transformation and political change in our Southern region.
Welch is a third-year representative for Divinity Student Council.
I grew up a pastor's kid in the Southern Baptist Convention but found a spiritual awakening within the Vineyard. Exposure to Christians around the world through missions work I did before undergrad was incredibly formational for me and helped me begin to articulate my own calling to ministry.
I wanted to study the Christian faith in an ecumenical environment, similar to the ones that shaped my faith so much in overseas mission work. Duke Divinity celebrates students and faculty from diverse denominational backgrounds and gives a fuller picture of the Christian tradition in its many forms.
I am excited to bring the Gospel to those on the "outside," people that the institutional church has often forgotten, underserved, or even in some cases, has hurt. I long to bring the healing love and joy to the Gospel so that many might experience the life-changing message of Jesus.
Duke Divinity has deepened my understanding of church history, my ability to read and exegete Scripture, and my appreciation for the sacraments. I learned how to preach at Duke Divinity and gave my first sermon ever in my field education placement. The friendships I've made here, particularly with other women called to ministry, will be precious, treasured lifelong connections.
My first field education placement, at Walnut Grove UMC, was the first time I'd ever worked for (or even attended a church) with a female pastor. This was incredibly formational for me and helped me understand what pastoral ministry as a woman can look like. I also discovered a passion for teaching, particularly teenagers, that surprised me. I've so enjoyed watching these young people grow in their faith and desire to take Christ more seriously as they learn through Scripture and worship.
Intro to Worship with Dr. Lester Ruth was really helpful in understanding what we're actually doing spiritually and physically during the worship service. This course challenged me to imagine more deeply and creatively about how to communicate the beauty and awe of the Gospel through liturgy and song.
Dr. Brent Strawn completely changed to way I read the Bible, especially the Old Testament. Despite his chaotic slideshows and constant Alanis Morissette references (which I secretly grew to love), he was able to radically expand my understanding of what is really happening in the Psalms and prophets. He gave me tools to wrestle with the difficult texts in the Old Testament and helped me understand how crucial a good reading of the Old Testament is to the Christian faith.
No one is here because they don't deeply care about the church and its role in our world. Even those of us who struggle with pain or bad experiences with church are passionate about understanding and taking part in the renewal of the church. I think each person at Duke Divinity truly believes the church has an important role to play in society, a role we can play well or poorly. I appreciate how my peers desire for the church to be a relevant, faithful force for good in the world.
I will begin working full-time as the discipleship minister at Walnut Grove UMC, my first field ed placement!
Campbell earned certificates in Worship and in Theology and the Arts. He has been active in Duke Initiatives in Theology and the Arts.
I am passionate about worship renewal and ecumenism.
The desire to study with Lester Ruth. He is the most contagious, hospitable professor I have ever had.
The best aspects of the immersion weeks are always community—whether in worship, sharing meals, or spending time together in the classrooms.
I would not have been able to move to Durham for a three-year residential degree. This modality allowed for my wife to continue in her own graduate education without us moving.
The people in my cohort are some of my best friends in the world now. I am so thankful for our group chemistry.
Old Testament with Collin Cornell, and all the theology and arts and worship classes. They instilled in me greater passion for learning and leading the church well.
Success looks like learning to ask better questions than give better answers.
Ph.D./Th.D. work, or local church ministry in worship and teaching.
Moll has earned a Certificate in Anglican Episcopal Studies and is active in the Anglican Episcopal House of Studies. She also participates in leading worship as part of the Chapel Band. She has served on Divinity Pride and as a student associate for the Center for Reconciliation.
I came to Duke Divinity School to follow a call to chaplaincy. I was persuaded to join the residential program because of the Anglican Episcopal House of Studies.
It has grounded me in understanding how knowledge can help others. During Orientation one of the speakers said, "Be a Christian scholar in service to God's people." I wrote that down and have it hung on my wall at home. My time at Duke has taught me how to integrate my love of research with helping others and how my research can help others. I have learned to lean into my spiritual gift of speaking up for myself and others. Being an advocate and disrupter is powerful gift.
While I enjoyed my time in Mtubatuba, South Africa, my favorite experience has been serving two field education placements at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Hillsborough, N.C.. It is modern church working through its history. I have served during the church's bicentennial, where the church's history of slavery has been front and center. I have been learning from Diocesan leaders on how to acknowledge our history and be partners with our local area churches to work towards integration. St. Matthews participates in Heaven Practice, a quarterly event where local churches of multiple denominations and races gather together and worship in a way that honors the multitude of traditions present. It had been a blessing to learn from this wonderful church.
Segregated Sundays with Dr. Valerie Cooper was impactful because it taught me the history and reason behind the voluntary segregation of churches while giving me valuable tools to engage in dialogue and racial reconciliation efforts. Introduction to Preaching with Dr. Jerusha Neal was impactful because it taught me how I can use my depth and control of my emotional expression to preach. It taught me the value of my role in speaking the truth and how to do it well. I also had fantastic preceptor and precept members for that class.
I am blessed to have learned from Dr. Cooper. She is empathetic, authentic, and a truth teller. She listens to students and encourages them to speak up. She has an image of the church to be and gives students the opportunity to learn how to get there. She encourages students to do difficult work and helps students process it. To borrow a word from Dean Edgardo Colón-Emeric, she is a Pentacostal professor.
Their joy. Their empathy. Their honesty. Their wisdom. Their authenticity. It has been a blessing to be a part of the Duke Divinity School class of 2025 with all of these wonderful people.
I have been accepted into the master of science in patient counseling, which includes a chaplain residency, at Virginia Commonwealth University. I will be completing three credits of CPE while concurrently earning a master of science in patient counseling.