Bethany Davey T’25 shares her experience as a transfer and online student
August 2024 – Academia pathways often change for a variety of reasons. Just ask Bethany Davey T’26, who started her theological education at Methodist Theological School in Ohio (MTSO). She is now earning her Master of Divinity at Drew Theological School as an online student from her home state of Ohio.
Davey shares her “why” she transferred to the Theological School, her transfer process, and her experience at Drew as on online student. Here is what she had to say.
How was the transfer process?
My transfer process was smooth and positive throughout. I felt so encouraged and welcomed at every point along the way—from my initial communications with Kirsten Trambley [Assistant Director of Theological Admissions] and Admissions, to my course schedule/degree planning with Hilary McKane [Director of Graduate Academic Services] to the beautiful new student orientation and welcome chapel service. With each question I asked, I received thorough and compassionate responses, and I entered my first semester with such gratitude.
Why Drew?
During my time at MTSO, I worked closely with Dr. Elaine Nogueira-Godsey [Assistant Professor of Religion and Society] as her student (I took every course of hers that I was able), her teaching/technology assistant, and research assistant. When I learned she would be teaching at Drew, I started looking into Drew myself—what was this amazing place, drawing her from Ohio?! Shortly after, I met Dean Bennett [Associate Dean for Vocation and Formation] at the Hispanic Summer Program, and we spoke both about Dr. Nogueira-Godsey and about Drew more broadly. She joked that maybe I’d wind up at Drew down the road. Between our lovely interactions and Dr. Nogueira-Godsey’s move, I decided to start looking more seriously into this delightful New Jersey theological school, and the idea of studying at Drew took root.
Another former MTSO-er and dear friend, Rae Guthrie T’26, also now attends Drew! My Drew experience has matched my initial impressions, and I am drawn to—and so grateful for—Drew’s express commitments to racial, environmental, and social justice. I deeply appreciate the ways that the Theo School’s administration, faculty, and staff respond with transparency and deep care to student questions and concerns. It is a joy to be part of this community.
Tell us about your experience at Drew so far.
My experience has been connecting, invigorating, and joyful. I am so grateful for shared learning with professors and peers, and for relational connections made across our varied distances.
For me, January’s new student orientation, chapel, and matriculation service were deeply impactful. At the orientation, I felt so cared for as we were introduced to Theological School students, administrators, faculty, and staff. We were a small group of incoming students, yet Drew welcomed us with such intentionality and warmth; I felt like we mattered and that our arrival at Drew was noticed. During our new student chapel service, Professor Miller [Professor of Church Music] led us in one of his songs in which the lyrics describe releasing grief and moving into something new. That sentiment spoke deeply to me, and aided me in feeling ready to move into my Drew season.
This may come as a surprise, but I also felt moved by the way Dean Seesengood [Associate Dean for Academic Affairs] discussed academic integrity on that call. I’d never heard academic integrity discussed so holistically, with an emphasis on our shared human experiences of limits and shame. This approach to academic work resonated strongly with me, and was another moment that left me feeling such gratitude to be part of the Theological School community.
Any advice for those thinking to transfer to Drew?
Do it! I’d also encourage students—particularly virtual students—to meet with professors during office hours. My experience has been that professors are responsive and very willing to meet; those conversations have been connecting and encouraging to me. The same has been true of peers—connecting over Zoom outside of class has grown our bond as fellow students!
What are your vocational goals beyond Drew?
I’m not quite sure what’s next for me after Drew. I have the PhD “bug,” and I keep that possibility in mind as I move through my program. I am very passionate about journeying with people as they come into awareness of—or activism regarding—systemic injustices and oppressions. I am particularly drawn toward journeying with EuroWhite Christians as they begin this sacred work (as my own teachers have done with me!), and I practice in ways that are trauma-informed, embodied, and often playful. I’m an improvisor, and I apply many improv practices to these spaces and relationships. I see myself in a pastoral-care-meets-chaplaincy role, within religious institutions and social justice organizations. My internship this school year allows me to engage all of these elements, and I am very excited to begin!
