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Dr. Thomas E. Shuler
Theological Excelsior Scholar Fund
Overseer Thomas Edward Shuler, Th.D., was an ordained Biblical Teacher in the Holiness Church of God, Incorporated who matriculated through the organization as an elder, Pastor, Overseer, Administrative Assistant to the General Bishop, Educational Department President and longest serving Chairman of the S.M. Caesar Scholarship Fund Drive of the Holiness Church of God, Inc.
In addition to Dr. Shuler's service within the Holiness Church of God, he studied at the Manhattan Bible Institute (MBI) under the tutelage of Dr. Edward H. Boyce. He successfully completed all the mandatory courses from General Bible I through Pastoral Excellence; which earned him degrees of Bachelor of Theology, Masters of Theology and Doctorate in Theology. This required discipline, hard work and commitment and the Lord honored it by elevating him to serve as an instructor at MBI and faculty member and Dean at the Emmanuel Pentecostal Faith Church, Brooklyn, NY, an extension of MBI, until 1999. He retired as pastor of Mount Horeb Holiness Church of God and as Dean of MBI in the year of 2008 due to illness.
Born as the eldest son of sharecroppers in Lauringburg, North Carolina July 17, 1932, he often told the story of having to take turns with his siblings to attend school in order to share clothing and the responsibilities around the home. Regrettably, he had to forego attending Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina due to being unable to afford a $14 tuition contribution.
He opted to go into the United States Air Force instead and was honorably discharged in 1955 including serving in the Korean War. Throughout his life, Dr. Shuler remained a champion for young people to pursue every academic pursuit and goal, often admonishing students to be "EXCELSIOR, still higher!"
Dr. Shuler transitioned from this life into glory in September 2012. The legacy of a Godly mentor, leader, father, grandfather, husband, co-laborer and musician serving with integrity and compassion is carried by all who where touched by him. Always willing to give Godly counsel and lend a passionate ear to those in need of direction. He had a great sense of humor, loved to have fun with his children and grandchildren and always left you with a story or anecdote of wisdom. To honor his legacy, as his granddaughter, I decided to pay homage to his legacy through two things that he was passionate about -- education and theology.
The Dr. Thomas E. Shuler Theological Excelsior Scholar Fund will provide scholarship(s) for post graduate students seeking to pursue divinity and theological studies.
Scholarship & Requirements
The Dr. Thomas E. Shuler Theological Excelsior Scholarship is in the inaugural fundraising season. Scholarship amounts have not yet been determined. We are prayerful, that through the generosity of family, friends and legacy holders of Dr. Shuler, that we will be able to provide generous scholarships to prospective scholars.
Preliminary Scholarship requirements are listed below.
Eligibility Requirements:
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Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
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Asian American, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, and/or Pacific Islander male or female
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Declared study in the field of Divinity or Theology
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Enrollment or acceptance in an accredited seminary or graduate program
Application Requirements:
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Transcript
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3 letters of Recommendation
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Letter of acceptance or good standing from attending institution
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Essay
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Relevant coursework
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Letter of application
Applications will open Monday, June 12, 2023.
Join the waitlist to receive advance access to the scholarship application.