Jacob Perry Studies in Cambridge, England, Thanks to McCollough Scholarship
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Young Harris College student Jacob Perry, Master of Art in Teaching Class of 2023, spent six weeks at Wesley House, the Methodist College at Cambridge University in England, thanks to the McCollough Scholarship.
Each year, this competitive, internal scholarship allows a dedicated YHC student to learn within a reflective, cross-cultural Christian community of scholarship and prayer in the Wesleyan tradition.
“I cannot express my deepest gratitude to YHC, the McCollough family who funded my study at Wesley House, and my parents Jason and Tonya for this opportunity,” said Jacob. “The experience will indubitably set me up for my next degree at Duke Divinity School as well as afterwards in my vocation to help usher in God’s kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven.”
At the beginning of his study abroad experience, Jacob’s Wesley House supervisor, Dr. Adam Ployd, provided him with essay guidelines, which Jacob suited to his own interests. His studies began with an introduction to John Wesley and gradually progressed to focus on the global church. While Jacob has spent time studying the Western church in great depth, this study abroad experience allowed him to explore Christian theology, history, and practice outside of the Eurocentric stream of Christian thought.
“I also want to thank past and current YHC faculty in the Religion and Philosophy Department such as Dr. Nathan Eric Dickman, Dr. Caley Charles Smith, Dr. Chris Lay, and Professor Joy Spann,” said Jacob. “Their knowledge and pedagogy entered me into so many conversations which set me up very well academically in the future and personally to help think through some very hard material; not enough could be shared about them.”
The cross-cultural nature of Wesley House prompted Jacob to examine what it means to be a Christian in a global world ethically. His community over the past six weeks has been eight to ten Ph.D. students, each pastoring in their own contexts, including Liberia, South Africa, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand.
This program allows the McCollough Scholar to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Methodist origins and heritage and what Wesleyan theology and spirituality offer today’s world. The McCollough Scholarship is awarded to students who take initiative in shaping aspects of the program to their own interests.
Recipients of the McCollough Scholarship are independent, self-motivated, and open to engage with a small, international community from across the global Methodist church. Upon successful completion of this program, the student earns six hours of course credits under the Religious Studies designation.
“I am also equally indebted to Megan Ridley and Dr. Matt Bruen for their presence and guidance as I worked with them as a peer mentor to freshman classes. What gems they all are for Young Harris College.”
Jacob enjoyed visiting the The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, generally known as The Round Church, which was built in 1130 CE in the city of Cambridge. He was also excited by the conversations he shared with pastor-scholars from other cultures every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, as well as tea and coffee after morning prayer services.
Jacob earned his Bachelor of Art in Religious Studies, Bachelor of Art in History, and minor in Philosophy in 2022. During his time at Young Harris College, Jacob served as the Chaplain for the SPAT Honor Society and as a Gentleman for Phi Alpha Phi. He was heavily involved across campus, employed in various capacities as a peer mentor, peer coach, tutor, and intern in the Success Center. Jacob also served on the Student Conduct Alumni Board, as a Student Alumni Ambassador, and volunteered as a mentor at a local elementary school.
Learn more about the Study Abroad Program.
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College has four academic divisions: Fine Arts; Humanities; Mathematics, Science and Technology; and Professional Studies. More than 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the prestigious Conference Carolinas. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
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