Susan Harper Email & Phone Number

Hello, I'm Dr. Susan Billington Harper, a historian and experienced executive skilled at seamlessly integrating strategic leadership with scholarly expertise to amplify the impact of philanthropic ministries and educational programs. Throughout my career, I've played key roles in crafting and implementing innovative strategies for major national foundations, a public charity, a Fortune 1000 software company, and a top-tier research university. As a recipient of a Rhodes Scholarship to Balliol College, Oxford University, I earned my doctorate in history, paving the way for subsequent academic roles as a Lecturer at Harvard University and a Scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. My scholarly pursuits encompass teaching, publishing, and public speaking, with a particular focus on the history of Christianity in non-Christian cultural contexts. Notably, my book, 'In the Shadow of the Mahatma: Bishop V.S. Azariah and the Travails of Christianity in British India,' has received recognition. Additionally, I played a pivotal role as a historical advisor and on-camera expert for the 2016 documentary 'They Shall Not Perish: The Story of Near East Relief.' My scholarly contributions have been honored with awards and fellowships from The Pew Charitable Trusts, The American Historical Association, The Carnegie Corporation, and from Yale, Harvard, and Oxford Universities.In the realm of philanthropy, I spearheaded a nationwide religious scholarship grantmaking strategy for The Pew Charitable Trusts, directed the international 'Nobel Prize for Religion' for the John Templeton Foundation, and pioneered an innovative disciple-making strategy titled 'Live the Word' for the American Bible Society. Volunteering as a Trustee of Eastern University, as a Director (and Secretary) of the Association of American Rhodes Scholars, as well as serving on the boards of Geneva Global (Capital for Good) and The Overseas Ministries Study Center at Princeton Theological Seminary, has also been an honor and a privilege. These varied experiences, which encompass intentional career breaks for raising four children, have not only enriched my journey but have also ignited a fervent passion for making a lasting impact through meaningful service to God and others.

Listed skills include Nonprofits, Fundraising, Grants, Philanthropy, and 46 others.