Perkins to Install Rebekah Miles as Fourth Albert C. Outler Chair in Wesley Studies

DALLAS (SMU) – Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University will install Rebekah Miles as the Albert C. Outler Chair of Wesley Studies during a special chapel service at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Perkins Chapel.   
 
The Albert C. Outler Chair in Wesley Studies was funded by the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church from 1978 to 1983, partly by apportionments from the churches and partly by private and foundation gifts. The purpose of the endowment is to support Wesley Studies at Perkins and maintain the highest level of academic excellence. It also seeks to retain the essence of John Wesley’s work in evangelical theology, ethics, and ecclesiology.

“This is a fitting honor for Dr. Miles, who brings extraordinary depth and range in Wesley and Methodist studies, and her appointment to the Outler Chair reflects the enduring vitality of Wesley Studies at Perkins” said Bryan P. Stone, Leighton K. Farrell Endowed Dean of Perkins School of Theology.

Miles, a clergy member of the Arkansas Conference, serves on the board of the Reconciling Ministries Network, as well as in a number of Wesleyan and United Methodist ecclesial and academic roles, such as committees, editorial boards and task forces. She has also been elected to serve as a clergy delegate to six General Conferences. Miles is author or editor of eight books and many articles in the areas of ethics, practical theology, and Wesley Studies.  “I’m grateful for the legacy of Albert Outler and honored to follow my friends who previously held this chair,” said Miles. “When I think about the differences and even disagreements among these Wesleyans – Outler, Heitzenrater, Abraham, Campbell, and now Miles – I am reminded of John Wesley’s counsel from his sermon The Lord Our Righteousness. People may differ in opinions, and ‘nevertheless be partakers with us of the same precious faith.’”  

She is the fourth Albert C. Outler Chair and the first woman to hold the position. Previous chair holders include Dick Heitzenrater (1985-1993), the late Billy Abraham (1995-2021), and Ted Campbell (2021-2025). 
 
The service expects guests from a wide range of faiths and traditions, including Wesleyan scholars, clergy and academic officials from the broader SMU community. A livestream option of the service will also be available here.  

Perkins School of Theology, founded in 1911, is one of five official University-related schools of theology of The United Methodist Church. Degree programs include the Master of Divinity, Master of Sacred Music, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Ministry, Master of Theology, Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Pastoral Music as well as the Ph.D., in cooperation with The Graduate Program in Religious Studies at SMU's Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences.