Centers for Teaching and Research at Perkins

The establishment of Centers in selected areas of the University increases the University's research activity, enhances its response to the needs of the larger community, and facilitates collaborative and interdisciplinary research projects which involve faculty from several departments and schools (see SMU Policy Number: 6.22).

Perkins School of Theology is home to four Centers approved by the SMU Provost for teaching and research.

:: The central mission of the Center for the Study of Latino/a Christianity and Religions is to promote a deeper understanding of the varieties of religious life and expression within the Latino/a communities in the United States and in Latin America. Building upon the rich history of its Mexican American Program, Perkins seeks to strengthen its engagement with Latino/a realities through its educational programs, the generation and conduct of research, and the dissemination of knowledge. The director is Hugo Magallanes, associate professor of Christianity and Cultures.

:: The Center for Missional Wisdom is dedicated to helping practitioners and scholars in evangelism cultivate strong theological foundations and wise practices in holistic evangelism. Through lecture series, workshops, and hands-on learning opportunities, the Center builds partnerships with local churches, clergy, and non-profit organizations to bring the healing, liberating, and empowering good news of the Gospel to the world. Elaine A. Heath, McCreless Associate Professor of Evangelism, is director.

:: The Center for Religious Leadership provides training in the theology of leadership and practical skills for leadership. This training is based in an understanding of leadership as a spiritual vocation cultivated, strengthened, and lived out within communities of faith and the other contexts in which the church exists – including legal, business, political, social and cultural contexts. The CRL draws on the skills of the SMU faculty from Perkins School of Theology, Cox School of Business, and Dedman School of Law along with church leaders (both lay and clergy), and business and non-profit leaders. Rev. Dr. Rebecca Frank Bruff was appointed director of the CRL in Fall 2012.

:: The Center for Methodist Studies at Bridwell Library was established in 1984 to encourage research, study, and reflection upon the Methodist movement, including the sources that influenced its origin, the forces that shaped its development, and the features that determine its character and influence. To foster these goals, the Center sponsors and supports a variety of programs, publications, and exhibitions. Roberta A. Schaafsma is the director of Bridwell Library and J.S. Bridwell Endowed Librarian.