On the evening of Friday 20 March 2026, the University of Divinity community gathered at St Paul’s Cathedral to celebrate the graduation of 228 students, receiving a total of 236 awards.
For Whitley College, this was a significant and deeply joyful moment.
We proudly celebrated the graduation of 26 Whitley students, each shaped through rigorous study, deep formation, and a commitment to being faithful, contextual, and global in their engagement with theology and the world.
Doctor of Philosophy Graduates
We offer special congratulations to our two Doctor of Philosophy graduates, whose research reflects both scholarly excellence and deep engagement with real-world questions of faith and practice.
Michael John Esbensen
Time after time: Paul, the present age and the age to come
Michael’s research explores how the Apostle Paul understands the present age in light of the ‘end’ or telos to come. His work challenges the widely held assumption that the age to come has already begun within the present, often described as an “overlap of the ages.”
Supervisors: Associate Professor Keith Dyer and The Reverend Dr Chris Monaghan CP
Shari Lynn Russell
Dreamcatching the 8th Fire: Standing at the crossroads of right relations between evangelical denominations and Indigenous Peoples in Canada
Shari’s research examines evangelical responses to key moments in Indigenous relations in Canada. Through archival analysis, she identifies seven missiological shifts towards decolonisation, moving from performative reconciliation towards genuine right relations, aligned with the hopeful vision of the Anishinaabe 8th Fire prophecy.
Supervisors: The Reverend Dr Terry LeBlanc and Professor Andrea Smith
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholar
We also celebrate Eliza Meredith, named Vice-Chancellor’s Scholar.
Eliza’s Minor Thesis offers a significant and original contribution to Muslim–Christian studies. Through field research in the Silk Road region, she challenges established scholarly assumptions and demonstrates strong potential for future research and publication. Eliza also delivered the valedictory address. You can read it here.
Formation for Life and Ministry
At Whitley, graduation is more than the completion of study. It marks the ongoing formation of people who will serve, lead, and contribute thoughtfully in churches, communities, and across the world.
This moment is also a testament to the dedication of our faculty and professional staff, who walk alongside students with care, rigour, and deep investment in their formation. Their teaching, mentorship, and encouragement shape not only academic outcomes, but lives of faithful witness and service.
We give thanks for each of our graduates and the ways they will carry forward a theology that is lived, applied, and grounded in real contexts.
Read more and see the livestream here.
