Randolph-Macon College is pleased to announce a Guaranteed Admission Agreement with Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. The agreement guarantees any RMC graduate with a 3.0 or higher GPA admission to Candler, as well as opportunities to receive financial aid.

Growing the Connection
RMC Chaplain Rev. Kendra Grimes says the agreement further strengthens an already strong relationship between our United Methodist schools.

“We’ve recently partnered with Candler School of Theology in the Leadership in Ministry grant, which will bring RMC pre-ministerial students to Candler’s campus for a weekend of workshops with theology school professors,” says Grimes. “Now, there’s a generous invitation to RMC students to go further and pursue a Master of Divinity or Master of Religious Leadership at Candler.”

Both Grimes and the late Ira Andrews, a religious studies professor and dean of students at RMC, received their Master of Divinity degree from Candler.

“There has been a long and positive connection between our communities,” says Grimes. “I know that Candler is a place where our students can build upon the strong foundation they receive from an RMC liberal arts education. They will grow a theological framework anchored in Christian history and demonstrated in practical ministry contexts.”

Vibrant Community + Generous Financial Aid
Brody Scott ’17, a business major and member of the football team, was recently accepted to Candler School of Theology.

“My long-time pastor got his education there,” explains Scott, “and he is someone I deeply admire. Once I explored the school for myself, I realized that Candler’s affiliation with Emory University—one of the leading academic institutions in the country—paired with its commitment to prepare students for practical ministry, is a unique blend. Few schools offer Ivy League-tier academic programs while maintaining a focus on doing God’s work in the real world. Additionally, the community is genuine and tight-knit, and the city of Atlanta is a beautiful, vibrant place to live and do ministry.”

Scott is a dedicated member of RMC’s A. Purnell Bailey Pre-Ministerial Program for Ordained Ministry. The program offers students support through a weekly vocational discernment group; two internships; and financial aid.

“Being a Bailey Scholar has enriched my college experience by providing me with a community that encourages me and nurtures my call to ministry,” says Scott, who was recently elected to RMC’s Zeta chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. “That support has been pivotal to my development throughout my four years at Randolph-Macon.”Scott continues, “It means the world to me to be accepted to Candler, and I am so thankful that God has provided me with this opportunity. In being accepted, it tells me that Candler is willing to invest in my call to ministry, and has faith in my desire to connect with communities and engage people with the love of Christ.”

Candler offers a broad range of generous scholarships for students of different backgrounds and career aspirations.

“I was blessed to receive a merit scholarship as well as the Carpenter Scholarship for community engagement,” says Scott. The Carpenter Scholarship for Community Engagement is awarded to five incoming M.Div. students who demonstrate academic excellence and have a commitment to community engagement and social transformation.

The A. Purnell Bailey Pre-Ministerial Program
For students who sense a calling to full-time Christian ministry, the A. Purnell Bailey Pre-Ministerial Program at Randolph-Macon College offers support through meetings, internships and financial aid.

Students selected for the Bailey program receive half-tuition scholarships their first two years and full tuition awards their junior and senior years. Bailey Scholars also benefit from mentorship and assistance in clarifying their vocational calling—as a pastor, youth minister, hospital or military chaplain, etc. In addition, Bailey Scholars complete two pre-ministerial internships during their undergraduate years, giving them valuable hands-on training.

Bailey Scholars meet weekly as a group for personal support and vocational discernment. In addition to leadership from Rev. Kendra Grimes, the program director, the group regularly welcomes guests: seminary representatives, church leaders, and ministers working in a variety of settings. Through discussion and ongoing relationships, Bailey Scholars are assisted in discerning and developing their calling to ministry.