CLC announces Strickland-Davis Scholarship in honor of former staff

The Christian Life Commission (CLC) is pleased to announce a new scholarship opportunity, the Strickland-Davis Scholarship. This scholarship will provide financial assistance to three Texas Baptists students pursuing a degree in a field of study related to the commands of Micah 6:8: Do Justice, Love Kindness, Walk Humbly.

The scholarship is named in honor of Phil Strickland, former director of the CLC, and Marilyn Davis, former Congregational and Commission Specialist. Strickland, who served as CLC director for nearly a quarter of a century, was committed to the high ethical calling of the Christian walk. He led the CLC to care for children, the marginalized and the overlooked. Davis worked with the CLC for 42 years, serving under four directors. She was deeply involved in all of the CLC’s efforts.

Katie Frugé, associate director of the CLC, explained that Strickland and Davis embodied Micah 6:8, the theme verse of the CLC.

“Together, Phil and Marilyn helped the CLC embody the mission and charge of Micah 6:8 in creative and bold ways. We are thankful for their legacy and impact on Texas Baptists,” Frugé said. “A scholarship in their honor helps make sure the legacy and foundation they laid are passed along to the next generation of individuals committed to seeing God's justice and kindness realized in our pews. We honor both of their legacies by empowering Texas Baptist students to take the mission and charge of Micah 6:8 into the future."

The scholarship will be open to undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students, with a high preference given to applicants attending a Texas Baptists affiliated institution. Those institutions include Baptist University of the Americas, Baylor University, Dallas Baptist University, East Texas Baptist University, Hardin-Simmons University, Houston Baptist University, Howard Payne University, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and Wayland Baptist University. Students will be asked to write a short essay explaining how they intend to utilize their degree to apply the mission and charge of Micah 6:8. Applicants must also be a member of an active Texas Baptists church that contributes to the Texas Baptists Hunger Offering.

"Phil Strickland and Marilyn Davis gave their careers in ministry to support justice and offer kindness in a way that showed us how to walk humbly before God,” Gus Reyes, director of the CLC, said. “This scholarship lifts up Micah 6:8 and encourages the next generation to follow this legacy in ministry."

For more information about the scholarship and to apply, contact the CLC at clc[at]txb.org.