Minister John Perkins speaks to PathWays Fellows

PathWays Fellowship

The PathWays Fellowship is a year-long (August 15 to May 15) residential program for students in any of Duke Divinity School's graduate programs that offers opportunities for vocational exploration, mentorship, service, and formation deeply rooted in the Durham community and the fellows’ Christian traditions.

Duke Chapel PathWaysPathWays Fellows live, study, and learn together in the PathWays House in Durham's West End neighborhood, which is walking distance from both Duke campus and downtown Durham. They participate in programming that provides tools for making connections between academics, faith, and life while discerning their vocational and spiritual direction in community. Benefits of the program include:

  • A new community of students, mentors, and faith leaders
  • Participation in formation retreats in the Fall and Spring semesters
  • Regular community meals, prayers, and programs that enrich the weekly schedule
  • Free offsite parking at the PathWays House  
  • Professional letters of recommendation from the Dean of Duke Chapel and other community leaders after completing the Fellowship

Apply by April 15 to be a PathWays Fellow

Components of the PathWays Fellowship

PathWays Fellows praying togetherPursuing a life of consequence
PathWays fellows explore their callings through prayer, study, reflection, and service, both individually and within community. This includes discernment about career and other vocations with the support of Chapel staff, members of the Durham community, and peers living in the PathWays house.

Pursuing a life of depth
Grow in your life with Christ through daily prayer, one-on-one mentoring, practicing spiritual disciplines, and participating in fall and spring spiritual retreats. Participate in regular individual and group reflection, prayer, and trainings. Regularly attend a local church.

PathWays Fellows sharing a mealPursuing a life rooted in place
Develop places of deep connection with the Durham Community, with a special commitment to the West End neighborhood. Have monthly meals with leaders and members of the Durham community. Participate in the Durham Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope to learn how your story connects with the history of the city and the biblical story. Volunteer regularly with nonprofit community partners.

For more than fifteen years, the PathWays Fellowship has fostered connections between the campus and community. Photos from top to bottom: Minister John Perkins speaking to a gathering of PathWays alumni; PathWays Fellows praying together; and Fellows sharing a meal with community members.

Current Fellows

Darin Diep

Darin Diep is a first-year Master of Divinity student at Duke Divinity School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies with a minor in Ancient Languages. Darin’s academic pursuits are underscored by her passion to explore the relationship between the Church and the broader world. As a Latinx Studies Fellow, she aspires to immerse herself in the perspectives of marginalized communities and discover how the Church can actively engage with social issues, particularly with those related to systemic injustice. Also working towards a certificate in Theology and the Arts, Darin aims to examine the relationship between Maker and Made, investigating theological implications for our understanding of identity within the imago dei.

Nicky Gutierrez

Nicky Gutierrez is a theopoet and first-year Master of Theological Studies student at Duke Divinity School. At the Divinity School, he is a Latinx Studies Fellow and is pursuing two certificates in Latinx Studies and Theology and the Arts. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing and Religious Studies and Master's degrees in both Theopoetics and Writing as well as Arts with a concentration in Theological Studies. He is a haiku poet and has been published in several poetic magazines and journals. Nicky’s main interests lie in the intersection of theology and poetry.

Mitchell Eithun

A student at Duke Divinity School, Mitchell Eithun is a composer, mathematician, and lover of bells. He holds a Bachelor's degree in mathematics and computer science and a Master's degree in computational mathematics, science and engineering. He has over sixty published pieces of handbell music and has ministered as a handbell director, digital ministry intern, and campus pastor. His current interests lie in hymnody, digital ministry, and spiritual formation in music ensembles. He is a member of the Handbell Musicians of America and an associate member of the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America. Mitchell also serves as a Chapel carillonneur and intern for Chapel Music. Previously he served as intern for Worship and Student Engagement.

Jude Sutharshan Mahendren

Jude Sutharshan Mahendren is a Master of Theological Studies student at Duke Divinity School and ordained in the Church of South India, Jaffna Diocese. He has worked with the Methodist Church Sri Lanka and with the National Christian Council. Jude has served as parish minister, diaconal minister, and academic administrator from the war-affected North and East Provinces in Sri Lanka. He volunteered with national reconciliation programs and inter-religious engagements for the common good. He holds a Bachelors degree in Theology, Christian Civilianization, and Divinity and Master's degrees in Divinity and Theological Research. Currently, Jude focuses on the theology of pastoral care and clinical pastoral education to work among post-war communities, who suffer and seek to redress painful memories.

Former Fellows