Our Board of Directors President

Charlette holds degrees from Oklahoma State University and The Ohio State University. Retired as Director of Professional Relations and Education at Abbott Nutrition, she now consults internationally in nutrition and healthcare. Charlette led a hospice facility project, supported Cottey College, and authored “Nutritional Care of the Terminally Ill.” Married to John Allred, she’s a dedicated […]


Our Board of Directors Vice President

Richard Books, an Oklahoma-based attorney with a J.D. from the University of Oklahoma, specializes in oil and gas law. A former Phillips University Trustee, his 30-year practice includes administrative law and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. Married for 46 years to Becky, they cherish family, community service, and a shared passion for history and global travel. […]


Our Board of Directors Secretary

Cassie, Senior Minister at Union Avenue Christian Church in Litchfield, Illinois, served churches in multiple states. An ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), she focuses on building sustainable programs and fostering missional churches. Cassie holds a Master of Divinity from Brite Divinity School and a Bachelor of Arts from Lynchburg College. Married […]


Our Board of Directors Treasurer

Mark began his career in 1971 after graduating from Phillips with a bachelor’s (71) and, later, a Master of Divinity degree (77) and a doctorate from PTS in 1995. For over 40 years, Mark served in various pastoral roles in Oklahoma, New Mexico and Colorado. He is now fully enjoying retirement with his wife, Mary […]


Our Board of Directors Past President

Mark Gillett is the Executive Director at the Oklahoma City Housing Authority, where he’s served since 2001, leading a team dedicated to providing affordable housing to 15,000+ people. Mark earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Phillips University and his Master’s in Political Science/Public Administration from Wichita State University. In addition to his work […]


Our Board of Directors Director

Alexis, a Phillips University Legacy Scholar Alumna (Class of 2010), serves as the Senior Vice President for Client Relations at Pension Fund of the Christian Church. With degrees in International Communications and Educational Leadership, she is currently pursuing a doctorate at Vanderbilt University. Alexis is a member of Riverside Avenue Christian Church, a volunteer for […]


Our Board of Directors Director

Bob grew up in Newton, Kansas and graduated from Phillips University as part of the class of 1973 ½ and has been married since 1974 to Beverly Johnson, a 1973 Graduate of PU. After briefly starting graduate studies in geology at the University of Tulsa, he landed instead at Kansas State University, where he later […]


Our Board of Directors Director

Rick graduated from Phillips in 1966 and later attended PTS before serving in pastoral ministries for over 45 years. Since retirement in 2010, he’s worked with Global Ministries, Habitat for Humanity, Heifer International, and the Van, and the Arkansas Literary Council. Based in Little Rock with his family, when he has time, he enjoys golf, […]


Our Board of Directors Director

Having graduated from Phillips University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Music Therapy, Sheri understands the value of scholarships, having benefitted from them herself during her time at Phillips. Dedicated to extending the legacy of PU, she is grateful to have served with the Legacy Foundation for several years. With a Master of Music Therapy […]


Our Board of Directors Director

A native of Oklahoma City, Catherine attended Phillips University in the mid-70s. including coursework with Dr. Bob Simpson in Sweden. After graduating from TCU, she enjoyed a successful career in medical device sales before retiring in 2018 and relocating to Portugal. Active in various organizations, including the Legacy Foundation and the OKC Town Hall Lecture […]


Our Board of Directors Director

Carla Stein recently retired as the Dean of Student Affairs at Front Range Community College – Boulder County Campus. With over 40 years in student affairs across multiple institutions, she is committed to removing roadblocks and providing resources for student success. Recognized as a NASPA Pillar of the Profession in 2022, Carla has been active […]


Scholar Alumni

Gabe, a senior at Chapman University, studies computer science with a minor in game development. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, he graduated from Marin Academy. During a gap year, he obtained EMT and WFR licenses. At Chapman, he co-founded a Kappa Sigma fraternity chapter, served as Executive Secretary, and actively participates in DOC […]


Alma Mater: Chapman University
Hometown: San Anselmo, CA

Scholar Alumni

Austin, a senior at Eureka College, majors in environmental science and business administration, with a biology minor. As a top student and valedictorian at high school, he excelled in academics and sports, leading his teams as captain. Now, playing Division III football at Eureka, Austin serves as Sustainability Senator, executive officer on the Student Athlete […]


Alma Mater: Eureka College
Hometown: Arcola, Illinois

Scholar Alumni

Maggie Nguyen, a senior at Texas Christian University, where she’s pursuing her passion for Early Childhood Education. Engaged in Impact of Words and Kappa Delta Pi, she volunteers at Kinderfrogs, leads an acapella group, and serves as Provisional Member Director for Phi Mu. Maggie aims to foster a supportive community and pursue a career in […]


Alma Mater: Texas Christian University


Hometown: Greenwood, Indiana

Scholar Alumni

Paris, a senior in the honors program at Chapman University, is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Broadcast Journalism and Documentary Film, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Peace Studies. Dedicated to community service, she engaged in debate, dance, and outreach activities in high school. At Chapman, Paris is active in political clubs, […]


Alma Mater: Chapman University
Hometown: Lake Oswego, Oregon

Meet the Scholars 4th Year Scholar

Liv is in her senior year at Eureka College pursuing a major in communications and media studies with a minor in philosophy and religion. Liv is a part of the Disciples Leadership Program through Eureka College, learning how to be spiritually present and community-minded in her educational journey. She also serves as the Student Body […]


College/University: Eureka College
Dorothy and Sheldon Elliott Endowed Scholar

Hometown: Ashville, North Carolina

Meet the Scholars 4th Year Scholar

Emily is a senior at Texas Christian University (TCU) fall of 2025, where her plan is to continue pursuing a major in Modern Dance, with a minor in Social Work. Before college, Emily was born in China and was adopted at the age of three, where she then moved to the United States to go […]


College/University: Texas Christian University
Becky and Richard Books Endowed Scholar

Hometown: San Angelo, Texas

Meet the Scholars 4th Year Scholar

Sam just completed his junior year at Texas Christian University, in pursuit of his bachelor’sdegree in both political science and philosophy. Sam grew up in Springfield, Missouri andgraduated from Kickapoo High School where he participated in National Honor Society, FutureBusiness Leaders of America, as well as the football and baseball teams. At TCU, Sam isinvolved […]


College/University: Texas Christian University
The Gentle Family Endowed Scholar

Hometown: Springfield, Missouri

Meet the Scholars 3rd Year Scholar

Malachi is currently entering his third year of the Foundation’s Legacy Scholar Undergraduate program, and he will be a senior at Culver-Stockton College in the Fall of 2025. Here, Malachi is continuing to pursue a major in mathematics education and minors in computer/data science and religion/philosophy. He attended St. Dominic High School in O’Fallon, MO […]


College/University: Culver-Stockon College
Varsity Club Endowed Scholar

Hometown: Monroe, Missouri

Meet the Scholars 3rd Year Scholar

Skyler, from Friendswood, Texas, is a senior pursuing a degree in Music Theory/Composition at Texas Christian University. A talented pianist and percussionist, he has been deeply involved in choir, theater, and marching band. At TCU, Skyler continues to grow as a musician, currently studying piano and organ and actively performing in collaborative settings. His compositions […]


College/University: Texas Christian University
Hometown: Webster, Texas

Barry K. Robinson Endowed Scholar

Meet the Scholars 3rd Year Scholar

Lindsey Maisberger is a junior at Texas Christian University, where she is majoring in Early Childhood through Sixth Grade Education in the College of Education. A proud graduate of Independence High School in Frisco, Texas, Lindsey was active in student leadership and community-focused programs throughout her high school career. At TCU, Lindsey continues to build […]


College/University: Texas Christian University
Hometown: McKinney, Texas

Gene Challenner Honorary Scholar


Meet the Scholars 3rd Year Scholar

Lillie just finished her third year at Transylvania University, where she is a third generation legacy. She is currently double majoring in Health and Exercise Science and Psychology. She also is a part of fraternity and sorority life, in Chi Omega, where she’s held several leadership roles such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion director, as […]


College/University: Transylvania University
Hometown: Nicholasville, Kentucky

The Inaugural Michael and Suanne Yarbrough Endowed Scholar

Meet the Scholars 3rd Year Scholar

Oshukunofa Joshua Oloriegbe is currently a junior at Jarvis Christian University, where he pursues a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Cybersecurity. As a Presidential Scholar maintaining a 4.0 GPA, he has completed coursework in network security, information systems, and leadership studies while gaining practical experience in both technical and organizational roles. During […]


Jarvis Christian University
Connie Speer Cravens Honorary Scholar

Scholar Alumni

Sarah, a senior at Chapman University, is pursuing Integrated Educational Studies with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction, along with minors in English, Psychology, and Religious Studies. Accepted into an accelerated Master’s program, she’s obtaining her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and teaching credentials concurrently. Actively involved on campus, she serves as an orientation leader, leads a Bible […]


Alma Mater: Chapman University

Scholar Alumni Scholar Alum '24

Volunteer Leadership Project: La Foret Garden Project, A Project with La Foret Conference and Retreat Center


College/University: Chapman University
Hometown: Lakewood, Colorado

Meet the Scholars 3rd Year Scholar

Libby Skaggs, originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, graduated from Mansfield High School in Mansfield, Texas. Libby is a junior attending Culver-Stockton College, double-majoring in political science and journalism with a minor in English, aiming to use her passions to improve her community. She holds leadership positions across campus including president of Gay-Straight Alliance, Color Guard Captain, […]


College/University: Culver-Stockon College
Hometown: Jeffersonville, Indiana

Meet the Scholars 3rd Year Scholar

Hope is a senior at Drury University, pursuing a dual major in criminology and psychology. With a passion for understanding human behavior, she plans on enrolling in graduate school to earn a master’s degree in criminology. Growing up in the small town of Sapulpa, Oklahoma – where she attended high school – she gained a strong […]


College/University: Drury University
Hometown: Bristow, Oklahoma

Scholar Alumni

Ruthie, a senior at Chapman University, majors in Broadcast Journalism and Documentary while minoring in Music Business. From Georgia to Virginia, her upbringing fostered deep involvement in church and community activities. In high school, she discovered a passion for journalism as Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper and TV99 intern. At Chapman, she works at the Fish […]


Alma Mater: Chapman University
Hometown: Mechanicsville, VA

Scholar Alumni

Michaela, a senior at the University of Lynchburg, is studying English and History with a minor in Creative Writing. Originally from Madison Heights, Virginia, she graduated from Amherst County High School and the Central Virginia Governor’s School for Science and Technology. Michaela serves as a Residential Assistant and an assistant in the Sydnor Performance Hall. […]


College/University: University of Lynchburg


Hometown: Madison Heights, Virginia

Scholar Alumni

Aanika Gillett – Aanika has lived in Oklahoma City almost her entire life. She graduated from Harding Fine Arts High School, where she developed a love for photography. Following High School, Aanika attended Culver-Stockton College in Canton, MO, a Disciples-affiliated college. While majoring in Religion and Philosophy at Culver-Strockton, Aanika joined the Sigma Kappa Sorority […]


Phillips Theological Seminary

Meet the Scholars 2nd Year Scholar

Aly is a rising junior at Chapman University pursuing a degree in Anthropology with a double minor in both Spanish and Sociology. Born in South Africa and raised in South Africa and Mozambique, Aly moved to Indiana to attend school, graduating in 2023 with an IB diploma. While there, she was active in her Spanish […]


College/University: Chapman University
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana

Meet the Scholars 2nd Year Scholar

Victoria is a sophomore at Texas Christian University, where she is pursuing a major in finance with a minor in energy business. A graduate of Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart in Houston, Texas, Victoria served as Student Body President during her senior year. At TCU, Victoria continues to demonstrate her leadership and dedication to […]


College/University: Texas Christian University
Hometown: Houston, Texas

Meet the Scholars 2nd Year Scholar

Harry will be an undergraduate at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa in the fall of 2024 and is looking forward to double majoring in International Relations and Law, Politics, and Society, with a minor in Spanish.  Harry grew up in El Paso, Texas, and moved to Fort Madison, Iowa, where, in June, he will […]


College/University: Drake University
Hometown: Fort Madison, Iowa

Meet the Scholars 2nd Year Scholar

Gloria is a sophomore at Texas Christian University (TCU), pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Economics. Gloria was born in Managua, Nicaragua, and was raised there her whole life until she moved to Fort Worth, Texas to pursue an undergraduate degree. Gloria graduated from the American Nicaraguan School, where she completed primary and secondary school. There, […]


College/University: Texas Christian University
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua

Don and Barbara Angle Honorary Scholar

Meet the Scholars 2nd Year Scholar

Sam is a junior at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky with a double major in Digital Arts & Media and Religion. At Ballard High School in Louisville, Kentucky, he discovered a passion for technical theatre and was active in the program until his graduation in 2023. Today he works as a crew member for the […]


College/University: Transylvania University
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky

Meet the Scholars 3rd Year Scholar

Kalea is a sophomore attending Chapman University, where she majors in Peace and Justice Studies, with an accompanying minor in Religious Studies. Before moving across the country for college, Kalea graduated from Iowa City High School in Iowa City, Iowa. There, she was captain of her high school’s swim team, principal first chair violist in […]


College/University: Chapman University
Hometown: Iowa City, Iowa

Meet the Scholars 2nd Year Scholar

Marissa is a first-generation undergraduate student attending Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri where she is pursuing a degree in Forensic Science with an emphasis in Biology, a minor in Criminal Justice, and a Crime Scene Investigations Certificate. Marissa is the youngest of seven children and graduated Summa Cum Laude from St. Charles High School. There, she was the […]


College/University: Columbia College
Hometown: St. Charles, Missouri

Meet the Scholars 2nd Year Scholar

Tatum Wilson is currently a sophomore at Texas Christian University where she’s pursuing a degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Tatum graduated from James Bowie High School in Austin, Texas. During high school, she was a member of the varsity cheer team, participated in the culinary and baking program, and was inducted into the National Honor Society. […]


College/University: Texas Christian University
Hometown: Austin, Texas

Meet the Scholars 1st Year Scholar

John will be a first-year marketing student at Texas Christian University. John was born in Georgia and has spent most of his life in Mechanicsville, Virginia. He is graduating in May from Atlee High School. While in high school, John has been an active member of DECA, the tennis team, the National Honor Society, the […]


College/University: Texas Christian University
Hometown: Mechanicsville, Virginia

Meet the Scholars 1st Year Scholar

Stella is finishing her senior year of high school at Lutheran High School of Indianapolis and looking forward to her freshman year at Bethany College as a Biology/Pre-Veterinary Medicine student. Stella grew up in Iowa and Indiana. She has played softball since she was four years old, which has included school teams and 10 years […]


College/University: Bethany College
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana

Meet the Scholars 1st Year Scholar

Daniel is an incoming freshman at Texas Christian University, where he will pursue a double major in Political Science and Religion as a Chancellor Scholar. A lifelong resident of Fort Collins, Colorado, Daniel is graduating from Rocky Mountain High School in May. While in high school, Daniel served on Student Council as Co-Student Body President […]


College/University: Texas Christian University
Hometown: Fort Collins, Colorado

Meet the Scholars 1st Year Scholar

Megan is an undergraduate at Texas Christian University, where she is majoring in mathematics and will be a part of the Horned Frog Marching Band. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, she is excited to continue her education in a city that already feels like home. Megan graduated from Lake Ridge High School in Mansfield, where she […]


College/University: Texas Christian University
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas

PU Heritage Honorary Scholar

Meet the Scholars 1st Year Scholar

Henry Frederick-Gray attended Cambridge Rindge and Latin School in Massachusetts and is now a rising sophomore at Chapman University. He is pursuing a degree in Writing for Film and Television at the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. At Chapman, Henry serves as the Retreat Chair on the Disciples Leadership Board for the Disciples on Campus group. […]


College/University: Chapman University
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana

Meet the Scholars Graduate Scholar

Hayden, a senior at Eureka College, is pursuing double majors in sociology/psychology and philosophy/religion, with a minor in political science. A Mansfield High School graduate, he was active in cross country and marching band. At Eureka, Hayden serves as Student Body Vice President, secretary of Eureka’s Alliance, runs cross country, and works as a youth […]


School: University of Chicago
Hometown: Jeffersonville, Indiana

Meet the Scholars Graduate Scholar

Connie Miroslaw is a dedicated third-year student at Claremont School of Theology, pursuing her Master of Divinity Degree. Hailing from Phoenix, AZ, she thrives in a diverse and multicultural atmosphere. Guided by her faith journey, she discovered her “new” calling in an inclusive, progressive Christian church, where she leads as the Music Ministry leader. This […]


Graduate Institution: Claremont School of Theology
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

Meet the Scholars Graduate Scholar

Marissa Ilnitzki is a dual-degree graduate student at the University of Chicago pursuing both a Master of Divinity and Master of Social Work degree. Marissa is a Disciples Divinity House scholar with the named Martin Family Scholarship. Upon completion of her first Clinical Pastoral Education unit at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, in downtown Chicago, Marissa found […]


Graduate Institution: University of Chicago
Hometown:

Meet the Scholars Graduate Scholar

From Grand Rapids to Southern California, MariaIsabelle’s journey has been one of growth, learning, and passion. After spending six years in Southern California earning a bachelor’s degree at Chapman University and working at various nonprofits, she discovered a passion for advocacy and community work. This past year, MariaIsabelle worked at Groundswell’s Bridges program as a […]


Graduate Institution: University of Chicago
Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Meet the Scholars

Jessica Griffith is a Master of Divinity student at Lexington Theological Seminary, where she is pursuing a call to ministry rooted in radical inclusion, justice, and belonging. She graduated from St. Andrews University in 2015 with a degree in Social Sciences with a concentration in Politics. After college, Jessica returned to her hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, […]


Scholar Alumni

Olivia is a senior at Bethany College (W.Va.), pursuing two degrees in communications and Spanish. She hails from Philippi, West Virginia and attended Philip Barbour High School where she was active in yearbook, theater, and Student Council. At Bethany, Olivia is a sister of Phi Mu Fraternity, a member of the honors program, Spanish Club, […]


Alma Mater: Bethany College

Meet the Scholars Graduate Scholar

Grace, a senior at Eureka College, studies philosophy/religion, psychology/sociology, and criminal justice. Graduating from Broken Arrow High School, she was active in various extracurriculars. At Eureka, she holds leadership roles in student organizations, including president of the class of 2024 and Disciples on Campus. Grace’s passion lies in youth ministry, social work, religious hospitality, and […]


College/University: Eureka College
Hometown: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma