Perkins School of Theology Awards

Alumni and Friends

Nominations & Annual Banquet

At the annual Perkins Awards, Perkins School of Theology honors alumni and lay leaders whose lives and work reflect faithful leadership, exemplary character, and meaningful service to the church and the world.

Recipients are honored at the annual Perkins Awards Banquet, a special evening that brings together alumni, friends, and supporters of Perkins School of Theology.

Call for Nominations

Perkins School of Theology will release a nomination period for its annual awards. Anyone may submit a nomination, and we encourage members of the Perkins community and beyond to help identify individuals whose leadership and service deserve recognition.

Nomination deadline: February 16

Awards banquet: Monday, March 30, 6:30 p.m.

Location: SMU campus, Elizabeth Perkins Prothro Hall (Great Hall), Dallas, Texas

Perkins Awards

Distinguished Alumni Award

Presented annually, the Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes Perkins graduates who have demonstrated:

Effectiveness and integrity in service to the church
Distinguished service to the wider community
Continued support for the mission and goals of Perkins School of Theology and SMU
Exemplary character and leadership

Nominees must be alumni of Perkins School of Theology, including Course of Study School graduates. Selection is made by a subcommittee appointed by the Perkins Alumni Council.

Woodrow B. Seals Laity Award

Woodrow B. Seals Laity Award The Woodrow B. Seals Laity Award honors a layperson in the United States whose life exemplifies exceptional commitment to Christian service through faith and action in the church, community, and world.

Established in 1993, the award honors Judge Woodrow B. Seals, a distinguished lay leader whose vision helped shape theological education for laity at Perkins. The award is supported by the Howard-Holbert Endowment Fund.

Nominations remain active for three years, including the year of submission.

Perkins Emerging Leader Award (New)

The Perkins Emerging Leader Award recognizes an outstanding Perkins alumnus or alumna who has demonstrated emerging excellence in leadership within the church, nonprofit sector, public service, or other professional or vocational settings.
Eligibility highlights:

Nominee must be a Perkins alum who earned a master’s or doctoral degree
Must have graduated within the last 15 years
Current members of the Perkins Alumni Council are not eligible

One recipient is selected annually. Nominations must be resubmitted each year to remain eligible.

Nomination Process

Each award has its own nomination form and submission requirements. To nominate an individual, please select the appropriate award below and complete the corresponding online form.

In general, nominators should be prepared to submit:

A nomination letter
Two letters of recommendation
Additional supporting materials

All required materials must be submitted online at the time of nomination. Incomplete nominations will not be considered.

Nominate for the Distinguished Alumni Award

Nominate for the Woodrow B. Seals Laity Award

Nominate for the Perkins Emerging Leader Award

Perkins Awards Banquet

Award recipients are honored at the Perkins Awards Banquet, an annual celebration recognizing alumni and lay leaders together in one event.

Date: Monday, March 30
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: SMU campus, Elizabeth Perkins Prothro Hall (Great Hall), Dallas, Texas

Registration information, including ticket and table options, will be announced following the selection of award recipients.

Questions?

For questions about nominations or the Perkins Awards, please contact:

Alumni Awards: Tracy Anne Allred, tallred@smu.edu or 214-768-1480
Laity Award: Bart Patton, bartp@smu.edu or 214-768-1333