October 15, 1998 Contact: Lew Harris (615) 322-NEWS Lewis.G.Harrtis@vanderbilt.edu

Vanderbilt University Divinity School offers workshop

on theological education as second career

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Vanderbilt Divinity School will sponsor a free workshop for prospective students considering theological education as a second career Saturday, Nov. 7.

An increasing number of theological students at Vanderbilt have been away from college for several years and have established other careers before choosing to pursue a degree from the Divinity School.

The average age of entering students in the master of divinity and master of theological studies degree programs at Vanderbilt varies each year from 26-32 years of age, with ages ranging from 21 to 63, according to Kimberlee Maphis Early, director of admissions and student services.

"Our students are intent on a wide range of vocations, with many enrolled on a part-time basis," said Maphis Early. "We are offering the workshop to address the interests and concerns of students returning to school."

The keynote "address" will consist of a video presentation by Carol Orsborn, an alumna of the master of theological studies program and a current Ph.D. student at the Vanderbilt Divinity School.

Orsborn has written five books: "Inner Excellence," "How Would Confucius Ask for a Raise?," "Solved by Sunset: The Right Brain Way to Resolve Whatever's Bothering You in One Day or Less," "The Art of Resilience," and "Return from Exile," which describes her experience at the Divinity School.

At the workshop, the professional, financial and personal aspects of pursuing theological education as a second career with be discussed by current students, alumni, faculty and staff.

The workshop will start at 9 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m. Free parking and lunch will be provided only with pre-registration. To register and receive information about nearby accomodations, contact the Divinity School Office of Admissions either by phone (615) 343-3963 or by e-mail to: doris.a.hall@vanderbilt.edu

-VU-

Vanderbilt University is a private research university of approximately 5,900 undergraduates and 4,300 graduate and professional students. Founded in 1873, the University comprises 10 schools, a public policy institute, a distinguished medical center and The Freedom Forum First Amendment Center. Vanderbilt offers undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences, education and human development, engineering and music, and a full range of graduate and professional degrees.

For more news about Vanderbilt, visit the News and Public Affairs home page on the Internet at http://www.vanderbilt.edu/News.