Parks Baptist Scholars Program

The top scholarship program at Georgetown College is named for Bowling Green physician and long-time Trustee Paul Parks. The Parks Baptist Scholars Program recruits highly qualified students who exhibit intellectual curiosity, global awareness, and an appreciation of their Baptist-Christian heritage. The Program brings them together several times a semester for academic and extracurricular endeavors that opens doors of opportunity and inspiration and also sustains their knowledge of and commitment to the Christian faith in its Baptist expression.

Park's ScholarsIncluded in the cycle of events for Parks Scholars are dinners with President Crouch, travels to centers of Baptist influence, invitations to meet prominent Baptists who visit the campus, and gifts of literature and supplies that cultivate their interest in the life and work of Baptists. Recent Parks Scholars events include dinner at Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill and a trip to London England and Oxford University.

Each year two high school students are selected to enter the program. To qualify, students must

  • have a 3.75 grade point average in high school
  • score at least 30 on the ACT
  • write an essay reflecting on a Bible lesson written by Jimmy Carter, well-known Sunday School teacher and former President of the United States
  • be active in the life and work of a Baptist church

From those who submit applications, eight are selected for campus visits and interviews. Interviewer is  Dr. Jack Birdwhistell, Professor of Religion. Assisting them are other Parks Baptist Scholars.

Applications for the Parks Baptist Scholarship are available from the Admission Office.

Parks Baptist Scholars: Graduates

  • Daniel Glaze, Richmond, VA, Class of 2000, a pastor in North Carolina
  • Amanda Shearer, Winchester, KY, Class of 2004, a student at University of Kentucky Medical School
  • Jessica Forge Hearne, Saginaw, MI, Class of 2004, a public school art teacher, North Carolina
  • Jordan Ragsdale, Knoxville, TN, Class of 2005, a student at McAfee Divinity School
  • Daniel Benson, Smiths Grove, KY, Class of 2005, a student at University of Louisville Medical School
  • Katie Dale, Cincinnati, OH, Class of 2006, Communication Arts & English, Fulbright Fellow, '06-'07
  • Brittany Pappas, Bassett, VA, Class of 2007, Economics, Fulbright Fellow for 2007-8
  • Adam Glover, Glasgow, KY, Class of 2007, Philosophy, Fulbright Fellow for 2007-2008

Parks Baptist Scholars: Current Students

  • Tyler Stewart, Crestwood, KY, Class of 2008, Biology and Pre-Med
  • Taylor Rains, Paducah, KY, Class of 2008, Political Science and French
  • Sarah Schobel, Union, KY, Class of 2009, Education and Communication Arts
  • Mary Alice Birdwhistell, Lawrenceburg, KY, Class of 2009, English
  • Katie Boyd, Mayfield, KY, Class of 2010, Chemistry and Pre-Med
  • Jacob Price, Somerset, KY, Class of 2010, English and Political Science
  • Coran Stewart, Paducah, KY, Class of 2011, Philosophy and Religion
  • Elizabeth Fanin, Tomahawk, KY, Class of 2011, Chemistry and Pre-Med