The Schmeltekopf Fellowship for Educational Leadership
The Donald and Judy Schmeltekopf Fellowship is an intensive program supporting gifted students who are interested in connections between faith and learning, and who are committed to Baptist leadership in higher education.
The fellowship is a tribute to the life and legacy of one of Christian education's greatest advocates, Donald Schmeltekopf. Using his model, the program helps students understand academic leadership as a form of Christian service.
Mike Arrington, former Executive Director of IABCU, says "The recognition of one outstanding student as the Schmeltekopf Scholar is a highly appropriate way to honor Don and Judy. All of us in Baptist higher education are grateful to the Schmeltekopfs' for their commitment to excellence in Baptist higher education."
Vice President for Academic Affairs at Ouachita Baptist University, Stan Poole, believes that "Naming a Schmeltekopf Scholar among the students in the Baptist College and University Scholars program is a fitting tribute to Dr. Schmeltekopf's tireless efforts to strengthen Baptist higher education."
Support the Schmeltekopf foundation
Don Schmeltekopf's Baylor at the Crossroads: Memoirs of a Provost.
Read the First Things review of Baylor at the Crossroads.
2023-24 Schmeltekopf Fellow
David A. Winkler
Mentored by Don Schmeltekopf
We are pleased to announce David A. Winkler as the new Schmeltekopf Fellow for 2022-2023. A Ph.D. candidate in Higher Education Studies & Leadership, David is interested in an administrative appointment at a Baptist university. David earned a B.A. in Accounting from Ouachita Baptist University in 2015 and a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2019. He writes, “The threads of Christian education have been woven together across nearly two decades of my life, making me an incredible beneficiary of Christian and Baptist heritage. I received excellent instruction, have been afforded incredible learning and vocational opportunities, and am surrounded by remarkably driven men and women who pushed me to be and do better. My primary goal and life’s purpose is to ensure these kinds of educational experiences do not end with me.” In addition to being a full-time Ph.D. candidate, David serves as President of the Baylor Graduate Student Association. David and his wife, Caroline, live in Waco with their son Harris (1) and Corgi Millie. They are active members in their church community in Waco.
Program Activities
- On-campus lectures: Selected lectures that engage the relationship between faith and learning, featuring both members of Baylor's faculty and other institutions are chosen for BCU Scholars attendance
- Book provision: Schmeltekopf Fellows are provided books at no cost to themselves for use in discussions with leadership mentors
- Mentoring experience with an academic administrator at Baylor
- Presentation at IABCU annual meeting
- Assist in planning two events for BCU Scholars
- Participate in the Seminar for Academic Leadership at Baylor in May
- Meeting/ Mentoring with Donald Schmeltekopf 1-2 times per year as appropriate
Qualifications for Entrance into the Program
The Schmeltekopf Fellowship is open to students who have completed two years of study in Baylor's BCU Scholars Program. Students must demonstrate an interest in academic leadership within Baptist colleges and universities.
Don's Story
- EARLY LIFE AND FOUNDATIONS
- GRADUATE EDUCATION AND THE NEH
- MARS HILL AND BAPTIST CULTURE
- A NEW VISION FOR BAYLOR
- THE FUTURE OF BAPTIST EDUCATION
- SERVICE RECOGNIZED