Refusing To Be Discouraged: Meet Betty A. Bishop ’26

Written by Amanda Mathis

If life’s a journey, Betty A. Bishop ’26, a Converse II student, has passed a milestone at Converse University. A determined young woman majoring in Child & Family Studies and Politics,, passionate about her education: “I know how important it is to receive help when needed. Luck, hard work, and faith – that’s what is for the best,” said Bishop. “I try to take advantage of today as tomorrow is not promised.”

While Bishop’s college journey has been difficult, she refuses to be discouraged.

In 2004, she began her college career at Spartanburg Community College before transferring to the College of Charleston in 2006 to pursue a Theatre major. However, The Great Recession had other plans, so she returned home to Spartanburg. Instead of returning to the classroom, she began a 20-year career in the restaurant industry.

Then, the 2020 pandemic changed everything.

“It became a turning point for me,” said Bishop, who learned about Converse from a friend and Converse University Trustee, Stinson Woodward Ferguson ’07, and applied to the University. 

“While at Converse, I’m healing my inner child while helping other children.”

Betty A. Bishop ’26

“I feel that at Converse, I am not just a number; the professors want to form a real relationship,” she reflected. Her time back in the college classroom has made her recognize how vital her college experience is to her, and Bishop is using her personal experience to champion children’s rights. “Once I step on campus, it feels like home. I hope the younger students realize how special this place is and get overly involved,” said Bishop. 

Sometimes, the greatest gift comes from the least unexpected place.

Tana Devine, Converse’s Career Development Coordinator, saw Bishop’s passion and was the one who connected her with the Eula Sherman Altrusa Scholarship opportunity from Altrusa International, Inc. of Spartanburg. 

“I encourage her, but Betty is the one who did all of the hard work,” said Devine. “She took the time to apply and did not give up on the application process.”

Funds from the Altrusa scholarship provided the needed resources for Bishop to continue her degree at Converse as she plans to become an attorney after graduation.

This volunteer service organization’s mission is to raise the education level of Spartanburg County residents. Established in the memory of Mrs. Sherman, a founding member of Altrusa of Spartanburg, the scholarship assists non-traditional students who are Spartanburg County residents enrolled in accredited institutions of higher education.

“This was my first time applying for a scholarship,” said Bishop, who was awarded this prestigious $1,500 scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year. “I was shocked when Mrs. Rosemary Leake informed me I had won. Their choice forever changes me.”

What the members of Altrusa of Spartanburg and many of her classmates did not know was that Bishop had become the full-time caregiver and breadwinner for her disabled mother. This past spring was hard for her family as their resources were dwindling, and when she learned of the scholarship, she seized the opportunity. 

“Half the battle is showing up, and I’m going to show you – don’t doubt me,” said Bishop. “I get upset when people act unjustly; children are not adults – they are little people with big feelings and should receive the best of what they deserve – quality education, community, and collaboration. While at Converse, I’m healing my inner child while helping other children.”

Funds from the Altrusa scholarship provided the needed resources for Bishop to continue her degree at Converse as she plans to become an attorney after graduation.

“Betty Ann takes advantage of all she can from Converse and loves being a part of the community,” said Devine.