Palmer Theological Seminary announces the inauguration of the Bishop Violet Fisher Scholarship for students from the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and the Peninsula Delaware Conference of the United Methodist Church. 

One 75% tuition and one 50% tuition scholarship will be available to students in each of the two conferences, as the seminary’s way of celebrating Bishop Fisher and her ministry. The Seminary, located on the campus of Eastern University in St. David’s, PA, offers graduate degrees including the M.Div., MTS and D.Min. Students entering one of the Master’s level programs are eligible to apply for the scholarships.

The Seminary developed the scholarship program as a way to recognize Bishop Fisher, an outstanding alumna of the seminary. Coming from the Peninsula Delaware Conference, she graduated with her M.Div. in 1988, when the seminary was known as Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, having already served as a missionary. As a church pastor and DS in the Eastern PA Conference and then as a bishop of the United Methodist Church, Bishop Fisher exemplified the Palmer motto, “The Whole Gospel for the Whole World through Whole Persons.” Even in retirement, she has continued her passion for evangelism.

Students interested in applying for the scholarship should first apply for admission to Palmer Seminary. In addition, scholarship applicants are asked to submit 1) a letter of recommendation from either their District Superintendent or the chair of their District Committee on Ministry; and 2) a letter describing their own call to ministry and how they see themselves sharing “The Whole Gospel for the Whole World through Whole Persons.” 

Because of Bishop Fisher’s long history as an evangelist and leader, the letter should highlight evidence of these activities and how the candidate plans to exercise those qualities in the future. Applications must be received by July 1 preceding the intended start date, and awards will be announced by July 15.

Approved by the UMC’s University Senate, Palmer has prepared many United Methodists for ministry, including pastors, district superintendents, missionaries, and seminary professors. For more information about the scholarship or United Methodist programs at Palmer Seminary, contact the Rev. Bronwyn Yocum, Director of Methodist Student Advising and Ethos, at bronwyn.yocum@eastern.edu.