Workshop offered on theological education

by Lew Harris

The Divinity School will sponsor a free workshop for prospective students considering theological education for a second career Saturday, Oct. 28.

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 ages of entering students in the master of divinity and master of theological studies degree programs at Vanderbilt range from 21 to 70 each year, and approximately a third of the students are older than age 35, according to Lyn Hartridge Harbaugh, 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 Harbaugh. "We are offering the workshop to address the interests and concerns of students returning to school."

Harbaugh enrolled in the Divinity School in 1995 as part of her own second career plans, having previously worked in the hotel and restaurant business in New England.

At the workshop, current second-year students, alumni, faculty and staff will discuss the academic, professional, financial and personal aspects of pursuing theological education. Participating students include men and women with prior careers in medicine, nursing, law, teaching, software engineering, homemaking and real estate.

The workshop will start at 9 a.m. and conclude at 2 p.m. Free parking and lunch will be provided with pre-registration. For more information, call 343-3963 or send an e-mail to divinity-admissions@vanderbilt.edu.