McAllister learned Hebrew by feeling letter shapes

Ray McAllister is awarded a Ph.D in Religion from the Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary on August 1. McAllister is the first blind student to graduate with the degree from a church-run seminary. photo: Katelin Mitchell
A decade after he embarked on doctoral studies, a blind student has graduated with a Ph.D in religion, marking the first time such a student has earned the degree from a Seventh-day Adventist theological seminary.
Ray McAllister, 35, who graduated this month from the Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, was born with a degenerative eye condition. At age five, one eye was removed; at age 12, he lost sight in the other, resulting in complete blindness.
Before enrolling in doctoral studies, McAllister earned a bachelor’s degree in Theology and a master’s degree in Divinity. Continue reading →