Published on April 24, 2020 by Kristen Padilla  
2019 20 Divinity Award Story Image
From L to R, Top Row to Bottom Row: Taylor Brazil, Emily Hall, Luke Miller, Chris Morgan, Mark Rector

Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School recognized five Master of Divinity students, who either graduated in December 2019 or will graduate in May 2020, for their outstanding achievement in various areas of study. The announcement was made by video on Facebook and YouTube on April 23.

Taylor Brazil, who graduated in December 2019, received the Most Distinguished Student of the Year Award. This award is given to a student for his or her overall achievement in the realms of scholarship, spiritual life and ministry involvement.

Chris Morgan, who graduates in May, is the recipient of the James Earl Massey Student Preaching Award, which is awarded to a student twice a year for his or her excellence in preaching.

Emily Hall, who graduates in May, received the William M. Todd Award for Biblical Languages. This award is given to a student who excelled in both the Greek and Hebrew languages of the Bible.

Luke Miller, who graduates in May, is the recipient of the History and Doctrine Award. This award is given to the student who has shown ability to read primary texts with sympathy and acuity, and to relate them to the rest of the history of Christian thought.

Mark Rector, who graduated in December 2019, received the Pastoral Ministry Award. This award is given to a student whose calling and character exemplifies Christian ministry and study of pastoral theology.

Watch the award video presentation.

Watch Chris Morgan preach a sermon as the James Earl Massey Preaching Award recipient.

Additionally, on May 1, Beeson Divinity faculty shared words of congratulations, blessings and prayers with all 22 spring graduates via video.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.