by The Reverend Kevin Kitrell Ross, MRPL, ’23
Editor’s Note: In this post, Master of Religion and Public Life alumni and career minister-activist Rev. Kevin Kitrell Ross shares his decades-long journey to Harvard Divinity School. Rev. Kev also recounts his rhythms of daily life during his time at HDS, and he offers his personal wisdom to prospective students considering divinity school.
Why did you choose to apply to HDS? What influenced your personal decision-making process, and why did you decide to come now?
In the fall of 2021, my colleague from the American Leadership Forum, Vikram Janardhan, enthusiastically invited me to lunch shortly after he completed a master’s program for mid-career professionals at Harvard University. He urged me to explore similar programs at Harvard Divinity School, believing I had much to offer and that Harvard could profoundly impact my journey.
What he didn’t know was that this was the second time I had been recruited to Harvard. The first was in the early nineties, shortly after I shared the stage with the late Reverend Professor Peter Gomes at my undergraduate alma mater, Morehouse College. He heard me deliver an invocation during a student chapel service where he was the guest speaker. Alongside my mentor, The Reverend Dr. Lawrence Edward Carter, Sr., Dean of the Chapel, they envisioned a future for me in Cambridge. However, my path led me to graduate from Morehouse and attend my denominational seminary to become a credentialed minister, and I did not make it to Harvard at that time.
Fast forward decades: as a mid-career executive activist minister leading a diverse, multi-faith congregation in the wake of George Floyd’s killing and during the pandemic, I felt the need to reimagine how to lead a cosmopolitan spiritual community in a drastically changed world. Vikram’s appeal resonated, and the Master of Religion and Public Life (MRPL) degree program felt tailored to my aspirations. With a twinge of imposter syndrome but a strong sense of purpose, I applied—and to my great joy, I was admitted into the MRPL class of 2023.
What did a typical day look like for you at HDS? How do you strike a balance between classes, work/internships, and activities?
The MRPL program was enriching yet intensive, often feeling like a two-year curriculum compressed into one. A typical day began at 7:00 a.m. as I commuted from my flat at Fresh Pond to the Smith Student Center at Harvard Square for breakfast at Pavement. I’d savor a cup of hot chai and my favorite sesame seed bagel with lox and cream cheese, reviewing notes or catching up on readings before making my way to Harvard Divinity School.
Walking across the storied grounds and passing iconic landmarks like the John Harvard statue and Harvard Memorial Church was invigorating. I often encountered brilliant individuals and esteemed professors, such as Dr. Preston Williams. My classes were held in Divinity Hall, where I engaged deeply with faculty like Dr. Diane Moore and Dr. Tracey Hucks in courses exploring vital themes of justice and spirituality.
On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, I participated in Afternoon Tea and Noon Service, which both offered wonderful opportunities to connect with classmates over delicious food from local restaurants. My days frequently ended late, often spent in the library working on reflection papers or conducting research for projects. Evenings would often culminate in a walk back across campus with friends, stopping at the Queen’s Head Pub for wings and conversation before catching a late Uber home.
In what way is HDS different from what you expected it to be like when you were a prospective student?
I initially expected HDS to be somewhat “stuffy” with less emphasis on justice. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself surrounded by brilliant minds and incredibly kind, accessible individuals, who would become fast and forever friends. The curriculum exceeded my expectations, incorporating diverse perspectives on justice and the role of religion in fostering it. I was particularly moved by Harvard’s releasing its “Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery” report, which HDS, not only embraced but played a role in creating safe brave spaces to metabolize the report as a community, but openly discuss it and discuss how the goals should be implemented, all in the context of restorative justice and love.
In short, my experience at Harvard Divinity School shattered the stereotypes and some of my preconceived notions I had prior to joining the student body.
What advice would you offer to prospective applicants who are considering HDS?
Bring your full self to the admissions process —especially the interview if you are fortunate enough to receive an invitation for one. Take up space and be unafraid to shine.
Along with your academic achievements, share your personal story, your context, and what you believe you can contribute to the Harvard Divinity School community.
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