Grant Awarded for Master’s Degree Completion Program

Contact: Jennifer Hall, Promotions Coordinator
Phone: (417) 268-1024
Email: promotions@agts.edu
Fax: (417) 268-1001; ATTN: Jennifer Hall

Springfield, Mo. —February 19, 2005— The Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS) has received a $30,000 grant from The Chatlos Foundation, Inc. in Longwood, Florida, for its Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.) Degree Completion Program. This non-traditional program enables participants to attend class one night a week and earn a master’s degree in 18-22 months or less without leaving their full-time jobs. “This program is a reflection of the seminary’s commitment to provide practical biblical and theological resources to ministers and laity living within driving distance of Springfield,” said President Byron D. Klaus.

“We are especially thankful for The Chatlos Foundation’s affirmation and partnership. We look forward to the successful implementation of the grant proposal which will facilitate the program’s growth and provide more scholarships,” said Dorothea Lotter, the director of the program. She noted that people travel hundreds and thousands of miles to Springfield to attend AGTS which is considered a leader in theological education. Last fall the seminary enrolled more than 500 students from 48 states and 22 countries. Twenty-seven percent of those students live in Missouri and Arkansas. “Our desire is to see more people in Springfield and the region benefit from the seminary’s outstanding faculty and academic resources,” said Lotter. “The Chatlos grant will help us reach that goal.”

According to David Dalton, a pastor in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the new program is working. “I drive four and a half hours one way to Springfield to attend class on Thursday night. I am so pumped about AGTS and the program. Everyone has a story…I finished a GED, was the first in my family to graduate from college, and never thought it would be possible to finish a master’s degree with my church responsibilities. This experience has greatly impacted my ministry and church.”

For further information, call (417) 268-1000 or visit www.agts.edu.

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Updated: Tuesday, February 22, 2005 3:08 PM