2017 News and Events

December 08, 2017

Watch the 2017 Distinguished Alumni Awards Banquet Video with Bishop Michael McKee

Bishop Michael McKee, episcopal leader of the North Texas Annual Conference, receives the Perkins School of Theology 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award on Nov. 13 at Highland Park UMC in Dallas.

December 08, 2017

Perkins School of Youth Ministry Celebrates 30 Years, Finds its 'Rhythm'

Since 1988, the Perkins School of Youth Ministry has taken place each January as a way to offer a collaborative learning environment for sharing best practices and trends relating to youths in the church.

November 29, 2017

Perkins School of Theology Offers Houston, Dallas Exploration Events

Perkins School of Theology is hosting two events—one in Houston on Dec. 5 and another in Dallas on Dec. 7—for prospective students to meet faculty, engage with current students, and explore the varieties of degree programs offered to those who are called to serve in Christian ministry or in other venues.

November 20, 2017

Annual Advent Service Set for Dec. 7 at Perkins School of Theology

An Advent service of the Great O Antiphons, open to the public, is “Ero Cras…I shall come tomorrow.”  The annual worship service will include Perkins-SMU faculty and staff, Seminary Singers, and the Orpheus Chamber Singers.

November 17, 2017

Perkins-SMU Faculty, Students Presenting at Conference of Religious Scholars, Leaders

The annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature takes place Nov. 18-21 in Boston, and many Perkins School of Theology and SMU professors—as well as SMU students— will be presenting research and participating on panels and in committees.

November 14, 2017

Hogarth Exhibition Provides Glimpse of Wesley’s England

Print collection, on display in the Elizabeth Perkins Prothro Hall, shows artist’s satirical look at 18th century Britain.

November 14, 2017

In Spite of Struggles, Lamott Says ‘Hallelujah Anyway’

Perkins Fall Convocation with Anne Lamott, Amos Yong and N.T. Wright draws record-setting participation.

October 31, 2017

Perkins, Southwestern University Establish 'Preferred Consideration' Agreement

Representatives of Perkins School of Theology and United Methodist-related Southwestern University entered into a formal ‘preferred consideration’ agreement during a signing ceremony held Oct. 24 in Georgetown.

October 20, 2017

Perkins Launches Spanish Language Th.M. Degree

Perkins, part of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, has this term begun a program that leads to a Th.M., or advanced theology degree, in Spanish.

October 16, 2017

Perkins Accepting Seals Laity Award Nominations Through Dec. 1, 2017

The annual award is presented to a layperson in the United States who exemplifies an exceptional commitment of service to Christ through faith and action in the church, community and world.

September 29, 2017

Perkins Names Bishop Michael McKee as 2017 Distinguished Alumnus Award Recipient

Michael McKee, resident bishop of the Dallas Area of The United Methodist Church, is the 2017 Distinguished Alumnus of Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.

September 22, 2017

Perkins School of Theology, Centenary College Launch ‘Preferred Pathway’ Partnership

Representatives from Centenary College and Southern Methodist University (SMU)’s Perkins School of Theology met Sept. 18 in Shreveport to sign an agreement establishing a preferred pathway for Centenary graduates interested in pursuing ministerial vocations at the graduate level.

September 07, 2017

Bridwell Library Exhibition: Martin Luther in the Age of Print

Commemorating the five hundredth anniversary of the announcement by Martin Luther (1483-1546) of his Ninety-five Theses against indulgences, and the beginning of the Reformation, this exhibition serves as an introduction to the reformer and his printed works.

August 17, 2017

Explore Graduate Theological Education During "Inside Perkins" Event

All prospective degree and non-degree students are invited to explore the wide-ranging options offered by Perkins School of Theology-Southern Methodist University during Inside Perkins, a free  information session, set for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7.

August 17, 2017

Lamott, McMickle, Wright to Headline Fall Convocation: The Power of the Story

New York Times best-selling author Anne Lamott, seminary president Rev. Dr. Marvin McMickle and noted biblical scholar Rev. Dr. N.T. Wright will headline The Power of the Story: 2017 Fall Convocation on Creative Communication, scheduled for Nov. 13-14 at Perkins School of Theology.

August 14, 2017

Prophetic Speaking at Perkins-Sponsored MARCHA Gathering

The annual gathering of MARCHA—the denomination’s Hispanic-Latino/a caucus—was held Aug. 10-13 in Dallas, sponsored by Perkins School of Theology.

May 20, 2017

2017 Commencement Activities Planned for Perkins School of Theology

Perkins School of Theology will honor graduating seniors with a variety of events, including Dr. C. Michael Hawn, University Distinguished Professor of Church Music and director of the Sacred Music Program, as preacher for the May 20 Celebration of Degrees and Academic Achievements.

May 07, 2017

A Statement from Perkins Dean Craig C. Hill

Numerous statements responding to the Judicial Council’s Decision 1341 have been issued. My comments here are meant to provide a pastoral word to the Perkins community and especially to our students, staff, and faculty:

May 01, 2017

Perkins Names Hugo Magallanes as Director of Houston-Galveston Extension Program

Dr. Hugo Magallanes, associate professor of Christianity and Cultures at Perkins School of Theology-Southern Methodist University, has been named director of the school’s Houston-Galveston Extension Program, effective June 1.

April 26, 2017

Symposium to Examine Research of Perkins Alumnus E.P. Sanders

The scholarly contributions of Dr. E. P. Sanders (M.Th. ’62) – who will receive the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, at the upcoming SMU commencement – will be the focus of a symposium scheduled for Friday, May 19, at Perkins Chapel.

April 26, 2017

Interfaith Dialogue Includes Two Perkins Faculty Members

Two members of the Perkins School of Theology faculty are taking part in an upcoming panel discussion on the challenges of gender and faith in North Texas.

April 07, 2017

Stamm to Deliver Upcoming Webinar Series on Strengthening Congregational Prayer

Dr. Mark Stamm, Professor of Christian Worship at Perkins, will join Taylor Burton-Edwards, Director of Worship Resources at Discipleship Ministries, for a three-part series of webinars entitled “Teach US to Pray” as a way to help strengthen congregational prayer.

April 06, 2017

Dean of Esperanza College to Deliver 2017 Barton Lecture

Dr. Elizabeth Conde-Frazier, Vice President of Education and Dean of Esperanza College at Eastern University, will deliver the annual Barton Lecture at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 6, in the Great Hall of Highland Park United Methodist Church.

April 05, 2017

New Degree Concentrations Available in Church Management, Social Innovation Starting Fall 2017

Perkins School of Theology announces two new degree concentrations – in partnership with SMU’s Cox School of Business and Meadows School of the Arts – designed to strengthen future clergy in the area of church management and to equip those pursuing nontraditional forms of ministry that encourage social innovation.

March 31, 2017

Perkins to Host 2017 Hispanic Youth Ministry Convocation

The Hispanic/Latin@ Ministries Program at Perkins School of Theology will be hosting the Hispanic Youth Ministry Convocation on April 6-8.

March 31, 2017

Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence Launches Five New Preaching Peer Groups

Each group consists of 8-12 pastors organized by a local convener. Each group works with a facilitator, a homiletical scholar who is in regular conversation with the convener and resources the group through a series of webinars.

March 08, 2017

Panel to Examine How Ancient Texts Discuss Handling Pain

How should we understand pain? Embrace it as a gift? Avoid it like the plague? Endure it as a necessary evil? Come join us at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, for a panel discussion from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 30, in the Great Hall at Elizabeth Perkins Prothro Hall to see what insight we can garner on handling pain from ancient texts such as Homer’s Iliad, the Bible, the Dead Sea Scrolls, Galen’s On the Affected Parts and many others.

February 10, 2017

Cardoza-Orlandi Named Director of Perkins' Doctor of Ministry Program

A native of Puerto Rico, Cardoza-Orlandi joined the Perkins faculty in July 2010 after 16 years of teaching at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Ga.

February 03, 2017

“Perfect love casts out fear.” (1 John 4:18)

"The world is a complicated place, and answers to its problems are typically complicated. The desire for easy answers usually produces bad answers. Acting out of undifferentiated fear is one of the worst. We can do better. Indeed, as believers we are commanded to do so."

February 01, 2017

Bridwell Exhibit Showcases Artifacts From Methodist Archives

Bridwell Library at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University announces an exhibition highlighting 77 documents and artifacts from within the historical archives owned by Bridwell Library.

February 01, 2017

Deadline to Apply for Merit Scholarships is Feb. 1, 2017

No additional application is needed for these scholarships, but eligible applicants must also have attained a cumulative 3.2 grade-point average or higher in previous college coursework.