Beeson Divinity School has been blessed beyond measure to have supporters who encourage its students to pursue their calls to ministry. A recent scholarship aims to continue that legacy through the Center for Women in Ministry.
The Dr. Julie and Pam Harper Endowed Scholarship was established in 2022 in honor of a local dermatologist who sees her practice as a ministry setting.
Julie Harper grew up in a Christian home personally witnessing lives changed by the gospel. Her mother, Pam, was a Sunday school teacher and pianist at their church. She was raised knowing God loved her with undeserved grace.
“When you know that, it changes how you interface with the world," Harper said.
That grace led her through life and, eventually, her career.
Harper has practiced dermatology for over 20 years and owns The Dermatology and Skincare Center of Alabama. Her days consist of interacting with the public, working through patient concerns, overseeing her employees and dealing with medical insurance. While this might overwhelm some, Harper relies on the Lord for support. She said, “I want God's Kingdom to be evident in my life, my home and in my practice. I frequently pull into the parking lot thanking God that so many people trust me to take care of their skin concerns. And then I pray that He will help me to love them. And He has.”
A longtime friend of Beeson provided the initial funds for this scholarship in Harper’s honor. They have chosen to remain anonymous so that Harper and her mother’s faith and service to the Lord might shine through. They cited a card sent from Harper where she spoke about her quiet time and making time to be still with God.
“I wanted to show a glimpse into her soul,” said the anonymous donor. “I just kept being reaffirmed, getting to know Julie, that this [helping to fund a scholarship] would be something she could wrap her arm around.”
Her mom, Pam, is an inspiration to all women with her determination. After being a full-time mother, she decided to go back to school to become a nurse practitioner at age 50. Her age didn’t stop her, nor did her gender. God’s guidance and goodness guided her through that journey, and the Harper women hope to encourage other women to lean on the Lord.
This scholarship will support women students at Beeson through the Center for Women in Ministry. The Center for Women in Ministry exists to encourage and equip women called to Christian ministry and to serve as a resource for the Church of Jesus Christ for the edification of the Church and for the thriving of women in ministry.
When asked what a new scholarship for women meant to her, Harper answered, “I do not feel called to full-time ministry, but I am absolutely called to full-time discipleship. And I am thrilled to get to help women who are called into Christian ministry for the glory of God. We as Christians are a community and we each contribute what we can. My prayer is that this scholarship is the answer to someone else's prayer and that their faith will increase as God shows them provision in their life.”
To help Beeson continue to serve women students, please consider supporting the Dr. Julie and Pam Harper Endowed Scholarship.