Perkins and Memphis Theological Seminary Announce Teach-Out Agreement

DALLAS (SMU) – Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University (SMU) and Memphis Theological Seminary (MTS) have entered into a formal teach-out agreement, effective January 31, 2026. Through this agreement, currently enrolled MTS students will be able to complete their degree programs at Perkins with minimal disruption and full academic integrity following MTS’s decision to cease operations at the end of their fiscal year, July 31, 2026. 

Perkins and MTS are both accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools (ATS), and the framework for the agreement is structured in accordance with ATS requirements.

“I am sorry to see Memphis Theological Seminary close, and I have long admired its passionate students, its vibrant ecumenical spirit, and its steady commitment to the integration of scholarship, piety, and justice. By opening our online/hybrid and residential doors to Memphis students, we hope to learn from them and to provide them a high-quality educational experience in a warm and inclusive environment that will feel like home. This partnership also allows Perkins to continue a meaningful presence and ministry in Memphis in the years ahead,” said Dean Bryan P. Stone, Leighton K. Farrell Endowed Dean of Perkins School of Theology. 

Under the terms of the agreement, all currently enrolled MTS students who are scheduled to complete their degrees after May 2026 and who are in good academic standing may elect to continue their studies at Perkins, either part-time or full-time, and matriculate no later than the start of the Fall 2026 semester. No application for admission or application fees are required, and Perkins will accept all academic credits earned at MTS, including transfer credits previously evaluated by MTS. Eligible students who elect the teach-out option will receive 100 percent tuition scholarships made possible by a financial agreement between MTS and Perkins. Perkins will provide individualized academic advising, enrollment and registration support, and access to student services to support a smooth transition. 

MTS President Jody Hill acknowledged both the grief of the moment and the hope created through collaboration: “This is a sad time for all of us who love and have been positively impacted by MTS. The collaborative work of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Perkins School of Theology, and Memphis Theological Seminary gives us comfort and hope in the midst of our grief. Our passionate focus throughout this process has been on the well-being of our faculty, staff, and students. I believe we have a plan that allows us to land the plane safely and to end well.” 

Students will have until March 31, 2026, to elect in writing to participate in the teach-out and enroll at Perkins for Fall 2026. Information sessions for students will be offered in the coming weeks, as well as a Perkins website that will contain information and answers to frequently asked questions. 

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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.