The Life of a DU/Iliff Student

Student's Perspectives

Sho McClarence (They/Them), Current JDP Student (All But Dissertation)

Sho McClarance (They/Them) Current JDP Candidate: The best part of this program has been meeting people from diverse backgrounds and building friendships that I know will last a lifetime. I feel it is difficult to communicate just how influential it has been to work with the other doctoral students and our wonderful academic advisors. The support that faculty and students have for one another is unlike many other institutions. Where some programs foster a competitive nature, the JDP has created a space for cooperation and fellowship. If you long for academic rigor and a communal space, we hope to find you visiting us soon.

Deeptangshu Das (He/Him), Current JDP Student (All But Dissertation)

As an international student, I have a found a new “home”, a safe, empowering, and academically enriching space within the JDP. I feel honored to be a part of a community that values both academic vision and meaningful social transformation. The JDP has allowed me to expand my horizons and my circle of friends as we gather to think, chat, debate, and create. I highly recommend prospective doctoral students to explore the vibrant world of the JDP.

Kimberly Melgoza (She/Her), Current JDP Student

Having grown up on the West Coast, coming to Denver for the JDP has been very different, in a good way. It has given me the opportunity to explore the mountains of Colorado. I have hiked many trails in Colorado, no 14ers yet! I have gone skiing in the winter, along with ice skating in nearby areas. Denver's location makes it accessible to take many road trips around the country, to places such as Texas and Utah. In addition to all the outdoorsy activities, I also do many adult sports leagues around Denver, including softball, volleyball, pickleball, and soccer. There is always an abundance of outdoor activities in Denver. 

David Kemp (They/Them), Current JDP Student

The JDP has provided me many opportunities to get involved with student life and experiences at both the University of Denver and Iliff School of Theology, where I have enjoyed participating with different student organizations, getting involved with DU's Graduate Student Government, the JDP's Graduate Student Association, and ongoing student advocacy and activism efforts across both campuses. Through these connections I have made many new friends across the JDP, other graduate students, and undergrads. We often hang out, see movies, go partying, visit exciting places, and start spontaneous adventures like white water rafting! Balancing your academic life with your social life is incredibly important, and while at the JDP, I have found students and faculty who value and encourage this balance too.

The Life of a DU/Iliff Student

Students in the DU/Iliff Joint PhD Program enjoy all of the resources at both the Iliff School of Theology and the University of Denver. Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, DU and Iliff share a beautiful campus, with each institution offering its own distinct culture and traditions. DU's student population consists of about 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students, and offers the amenities of a large institution with a private school feel. It is proud to be home of the DU Pioneers, the Newman Center for the Performing Arts, the Vicki Myhren Gallery, and the Lamont School of Music, to name only a few. Iliff, by virtue of its smaller population, offers a more intimate community atmosphere and a unique blend of social activities and academic resources. Although Iliff officially identifies as one of the 13 United Methodist seminaries, the population is very ecumenical, welcoming students, faculty, and staff from over 30 different denominations and faith traditions. The doctoral degree is granted jointly by the University of Denver and Iliff School of Theology and bears the signatures and seals of both schools.

Graduate Student Association

The Joint Doctoral Program Graduate Student Association (JDP GSA) is a student-elected body that serves as a resource for both the students and the institutions at which they are studying. Visit the JDP GSA Digication Page to learn more.