J. Sherman Pelt Scholarship Recipients

Rev. Natalie C. Murdock:

Natalie Corrin has a heart for encouraging young adults in their walk with God, one day at a time. She holds a Master of Public Health degree from Purdue University and is currently a second year Master of Divinity student at Candler School of Theology at Emory University as a Woodruff Fellow. She is thrilled to serve in ministry in multiple places in Atlanta and at the Historic Hill First Baptist Church in Athens, GA where she is the College & Young Adult Minister. Natalie is passionate about her ministry, Notes from Corrin, where she hosts a podcast called “Another Day, Another Chance” that has accrued thousands of listeners since its inception in 2020. Within Notes from Corrin, she also creates Bible studies, devotionals, and encouraging social media content. Natalie is extremely thankful to have received this scholarship and is eager to continue to do the work God has called her to.

Minister Alfred Ohene-Kankam:

Alfred Ohene-Kankam is a final year student at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. He is currently the New Students Orientation (NSO) Coordinator for International Hospitality at Candler School of Theology. In this role, he crafts engaging onboarding experiences for incoming international students. Alfred’s academic journey is a testament to his commitment to learning and his diverse educational background. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Cape Coast and an MA in Ministry from Ghana Baptist University College, all in Ghana. As a recognized minister of the Ghana Baptist Convention since 2022, Alfred is passionate about teaching ministry and caregiving, with his major strengths being active listening and emotional intelligence. Aside from his current role at Candler, he also teaches Bible study at his church. Alfred’s interests extend beyond his professional and academic life, as he is an avid soccer and volleyball enthusiast. His notable recognitions include selection to the accreditation committee during the Association of Theological Schools Commission’s visit to Candler and membership in the International Studies Committee. Alfred’s community involvement is extensive, ranging from organizing online Bible study lessons to participating in food distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic, and making charitable visits to orphanages and prisons.

Rev. Austin R. Warren:

The Reverend Austin R. Warren is a proud native of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Reverend Warren is an associate minister at the Cade Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, under the leadership of the Reverend Reginald M. Buckley. After graduating from Vicksburg High in May 2015, Warren earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi (2019). Reverend Warren is a second-year Master of Divinity student at Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Reverend Warren transitioned into higher education from the banking industry at the beginning of 2023 and now serves as the Assistant Director for Religious and Spiritual Life at Alcorn State University. Additionally, he serves as the Interfaith Organizing Manager at Mississippi Votes, Incorporated. Inspired by the works of a host of great theologians engaged in social, educational, and political advancement throughout history, Austin hopes to be a bridge between religion, politics, and moral agency as a young native Mississippian clergyman. Among his other distinctions, Reverend Warren is a member of the National Association of the Advancement for Colored People (NAACP), Jackson State University’s National Alumni Association, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Austin is married to his college sweetheart, the former Margaret S. Mason. Above all, Reverend Warren aims to live a life that honors God through word and deed.