Fellowships for Visiting Scholars and Ministers

Each year Bridwell Library of the Perkins School of Theology offers six one-month fellowships of independent study. Three fellowships are open to scholars researching any subject covered by the Library's collections. Two are set aside for active and retired ministers. One is reserved for research in Methodism and related areas.  All are designed to encourage in-depth use of the Library's collections for study and research.

Bridwell Library holds approximately 400,000 items in religion, theology, and related fields.  Its substantial collections make it an especially valuable resource for scholars and ministers wishing to further their theological knowledge and understanding.

Special collections include extensive holdings in theological, liturgical, and devotional texts from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century, with particular emphasis on English sermons, religious polemic, and church history.  The works of John Wesley and his colleagues and critics are found in first and early editions.  In addition, Bridwell Library houses a significant Bible collection, including medieval manuscripts and scrolls, major monuments of fifteenth-century printing, important translations and commentaries of the Reformation period, missionary Bibles in diverse languages, and modern fine press editions.  Please inquire about other areas of concentration.

ELIGIBILITY

The program is open to all active scholars from Ph.D. students to retired professors, and to religious leaders of all faiths. Since the stipend is meant to help defray research and living expenses during the tenure of the award, preference will be given to applicants from areas outside the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.

FELLOWSHIPS

The fellowships are awarded to facilitate a period of intense individual study -- usually one month -- on an uninterrupted basis in Bridwell Library.

Three Bridwell Library Visiting Scholar's Fellowships for research in any area represented in the library's holdings.

Two Bridwell Library Visiting Minister's Fellowships for research in any area represented in the library's holdings.

One Bridwell Library Center for Methodist Studies Fellowship for research in Methodism and related fields.

TERMS OF THE AWARD

·       Each fellowship comes with a stipend of $2,500 to help cover the costs associated with undertaking such a period of study.   Fellows travelling from outside the greater Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area may also receive up to $800 additional reimbursement for travel.

·       Recipients are responsible for making their own travel and housing arrangements; information on housing available on campus will be provided.

·       Each fellow will be assigned a private study carrel in the Library.

·       Public Services staff will offer an orientation meeting and a tour of the library.  Assistance in using the Library's collections will be available throughout the study period.

·       The month-long study period may be scheduled at any time during the year from June 1 of the year in which the award is made through May 31 of the following year. 

OBLIGATIONS

·       Fellows are expected to conduct their research primarily at Bridwell Library.

·       Fellows must reside on campus or within short driving distance during the grant period.

·       Fellows publishing materials resulting directly from the study period are expected to acknowledge the Bridwell Library Fellowship and Bridwell Library resources in the work and provide one copy for the library collections.

APPLICATION & DEADLINES

Applicants should send the following information to:

Bridwell Library Administration

Perkins School of Theology

Southern Methodist University
PO Box 750476
Dallas, TX 75275-0476

·       Curriculum vitae no more than two pages in length

·       A research proposal no more than two pages in length, addressing specifically the relationship between the proposed research project and Bridwell Library collections.

·       Two supporting letters from professional and/or academic references (please include names, addresses, and telephone numbers)

The deadline for applications is May 1.

Awards will be announced by May 15.

For additional information, email lkozlows@smu.edu or call 214 768-3483.