UMHEF Celebrates 60 Years!
This year, the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation celebrates sixty years. Since 1965, UMHEF has supported the higher education of United Methodists and the UM-related institutions they attend. In the last decade alone, the foundation has awarded upwards of $25 million in scholarships to more than 10,000 students.
Thomas Martin was one such scholarship recipient between 2001 and 2006 while studying at Birmingham-Southern College and Duke Divinity School, both United Methodist-related institutions. “I am grateful for the impact and support of higher education from United Methodists and have seen the benefits extended to others throughout the years,” Martin says. In full-time ministry since 2008, his experience with UMHEF has come full circle as he now helps students from his church obtain foundation scholarships. UMHEF scholars like Thomas go on to dedicate their lives to ministry and professions that serve our communities, churches, and world.
Founded in 1965 as the Methodist Foundation for Christian Higher Education, UMHEF is indebted to the vision and leadership of many. Chancellor W.P. Tolley, an early advocate of the church’s responsibility to champion higher education, was instrumental in the foundation’s formation. UMHEF has since been led by a roster of distinguished presidents and CEOs and Board of Trustees—historically comprised of UM leaders, school presidents, and investment professionals. Bishop Bruce Ough, retired residential bishop in the UMC for more than twenty years, has served as a UMHEF trustee since 2023. “I observed first-hand how scholarship assistance enabled well-deserving students to pursue and complete their higher education dreams,” he says. “The opportunity to continue giving expression to what I consider the most important legacy for any pastor—calling forth and equipping the next generation of spiritual leaders.”
Many faithful partners help live out UMHEF’s vision. UMHEF is grateful for the partnerships that have made its UM Dollars for Scholars program a monumental success. To date, thousands of churches and more than two dozen United Methodist conference foundations have joined our UM-related schools in the matching program that offers students up to $4,000 per year for school expenses. In recent years, UMHEF has expanded its support to students from other Wesleyan traditions, including African Methodist Episcopal, AME Zion, and Christian Methodist Episcopal churches. As an independent nonprofit organization, UMHEF does not receive any apportionments from The United Methodist Church but works closely with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
Individual and organizational donors also contribute more than $1 million annually to fund scholarship programs. The support of its many partners has made the foundation’s six decades meaningful beyond measure. “Like with the body of Christ, every member of our village plays an important part,” says Dr. Phil Jamieson, UMHEF’s current President and CEO. “We are thankful for all past, present, and future support of students and schools in the Wesleyan tradition.”
The foundation’s commitment to supporting the higher education of students and the UM-related schools they attend is unwavering. What began in 1965 continues in 2025 and will continue for years to come. Join in celebrating UMHEF’s 60th Year by making a gift to support higher education today.