Student Life

Mission Statement

The Office of Student Life and Community Engagement offers welcome, hospitality, and care for the diverse community of students, faculty, and staff of Perkins School of Theology. We create opportunities designed to cultivate connections with one another, Southern Methodist University, and the greater community through common meals, social events, programming, and service. We provide experiences beyond the formal classroom setting, through which members of the community may participate in leadership development, vocational exploration, and community building. We listen, connect, support, and celebrate the lives of our students, faculty, and staff.

Tracy Anne Allred

Assistant Dean of Student Life/Director of Community Engagement

214.768.1480
tallred@smu.edu

Tracy Anne is passionate about assisting graduate theology students to connect with the opportunities within the Perkins community, services offered on campus, and vital ministries in the area. Do you want to get involved with a student organization or participate in community life? Are you looking for an employment opportunity or housing resources? Would your program of study be enriched by visiting with the leadership of an entrepreneurial ministry? If so, Tracy Anne can be helpful to you. Tracy Anne is a United Methodist with a commitment to the lively ecumenical nature of the student body at Perkins. Please come by Kirby Hall 216 to ask your questions, share your ideas, and contribute to the mission of preparing women and men for faithful leadership in Christian ministry.

Laura Figura

Coordinator of Student Life

214.768.3371
lfigura@smu.edu

Serving as the Coordinator of Student Life, Laura is a great resource for current students. She supports the goals of the Office of Student Life and Community Engagement, co-edits the weekly Perkins News, creates the Look Book, and regularly updates a list of job and housing opportunities. If you are looking for an on-campus resource or have a general question, Laura is a great person to ask. Make an appointment or stop by 216 Kirby Hall.

Charles Udoh

Community Life Chef

214.768.8233
cudoh@smu.edu

Charles Udoh serves as Perkins Community Life Chef. Each week, he provides lunches for students and faculty. He also helps maintain required supply levels for Perkins 3 kitchens, and is in charge of food and supply purchasing. Faith, family and food are what he’s truly passionate about . He is also a professional cake decorator.

An Academy for the Whole Church in the Whole World

Prepare to Serve

Our groundbreaking Intern Program allows students to transform classroom knowledge into actual practical experience before graduation.

Diverse Community

We believe cross-cultural immersion experiences best teach students to build intercultural relationships, resolve cultural conflicts and guide intercultural ventures.

Academic Excellence

The combination of courses taught by renowned scholars with a diverse list of degree programs best prepares students for a wide variety of roles in ministry.