Students of the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) and The College at Southeastern have created an academic society for women who desire to be part of theological scholarship. The society is a new opportunity for encouragement and collaboration in their academic work.
The "Society for Women in Scholarship" aims to provide a gathering place for ideas, networking, learning and leadership development among women at Southeastern. The ideation of the society began just over a year ago when Bekah Stoneking, a student of doctoral education, and Amber Bowen, a masters' student in philosophy of religion, first met to discuss over their scholarly ambitions. The encouragement they received from one another led them to invite more women to informal coffee outings, eventually birthing the idea to create an academic society for Southeastern's students.
Walter Strickland, special adviser to the president for the Kingdom Diversity Initiative revealed that women make up the largest and the most diverse minority group on campus. "I'm convinced that the fruit of the academic society for women will extend beyond the confines of the group by emboldening women to contribute more readily to the classroom discussion, providing opportunities to publish written work and by sponsoring events for both genders to think deeply about the Christian faith," she said, according to Baptist Press.
Adrienne Miles, the assistant professor of English and linguistics in the leadership team, shared similar positive views. She testified that the academic society has already boosted the confidence of women at Southeastern, explaining that many of them who once felt isolated now have a greater sense of belonging in the society.
According to the SEBTS, the academic society for women meets every month on the first Wednesday, to discuss topics relevant to women in theological scholarship. Those interested in the membership may join the society as long as they carry a strong desire to grow in scholarship and contribute to academic life on campus.
