Phillips University Legacy Foundation Names Executive Director
The Phillips University Legacy Foundation is excited to announce that Reverend Angela Kaufman has been called to serve the foundation as its next Executive Director. Rev. Kaufman joined the foundation team at the end of November just as they are preparing to open up the Legacy Scholars application process for the 2022-2023 academic year. “Rev. Kaufman brings an exciting mix of both vision and proven expertise to lead this critically important work for this next chapter in the foundation’s development, says the Rev. Dr. Mark Pumphrey, search committee chair and board member. “Our team was universally impressed and inspired in our interactions with Angela as we shared our mission of providing scholarships and leadership development to deserving students. This is a most exciting time in the life of the foundation.”, he continued. “I am excited to have the opportunity to honor the legacy of Phillips University and serve at the intersections of church and campus at a time when higher education has never been more important and yet never faced with more challenges.”, says Rev. Kaufman. She continues, “The foundation has a long history of supporting students with transformative opportunities for scholarships, learning, and community. I’m grateful to come on board as we are poised to continue and grow those opportunities for students from across our diverse Disciples-related educational institutions.”
Rev. Kaufman most recently served as Minister to the University and Director of Church Relations at Texas Christian University. Prior to that, she served in leadership roles at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. While working at the crossroads of higher education, nonprofit work and religious life for over 20 years, Rev. Kaufman mobilized resources for student leadership, spiritual development, and service. She was responsible for both the religious and spiritual life of campus communities and the universities’ relationships with local, regional, and national partners. “As a Phillips alumnus, I am excited to have Angela at the helm of the Legacy Foundation,” said Ryan DeArman, Phillips University Class of 1997 and foundation president. “During her time at Texas Christian University, she witnessed firsthand the transformative effects our legacy scholarships and a Disciples of Christ education have on future leaders. Our Legacy Scholars are destined to impact society and carry on the legacy of Phillips University. Phillips helped shape who I am, and I look forward to working alongside Angela to continue its positive impact with future generations.”
As an alumna from Disciples-related higher education twice over, Rev. Kaufman, graduated from Texas Christian University with a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters of Divinity from the University of Chicago where she was ordained by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) shortly after. She serves on the board of the Disciples Divinity House at the University of Chicago and volunteers locally with boards and projects addressing areas of accessible education, affordable housing, and animal welfare. As a fourth-generation Disciples from Stillwater, Oklahoma, and raised in Richardson, Texas, she currently resides in the muntains of Washington state with her spouse, two children, and rescue animals.
The mission of the Phillips University Legacy Foundation is to follow the tradition of Phillips University by providing scholarships and opportunities to educate and develop leaders who embody Christian values in their lives, service and work. Since its beginning, it’s provided scholarships to over 200 undergraduate and graduate students totaling over 2 million dollars.
Learn more about the legacy scholars and the work of the foundation by visiting the website at www.pulf.org or following us on Facebook or LinkedIn.