Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX) invites applications, expressions of interest, and nominations of candidates in its search for its next Dean of the Perkins School of Theology. The University seeks an innovative, visionary, committed leader who understands the forward dynamic of graduate theological education in the twenty-first century. The next leader will be passionate about the Perkins mission to educate faith leaders, prepare those to serve the church and society, and strengthen the church, academy, and the world through service, scholarship, and advocacy. The next Dean will lead at a transformational time for Perkins School of Theology as an embedded theological school within Southern Methodist University where there is significant institutional momentum sustained by a community of distinguished contributors across Perkins and the broader SMU community, a strong resource base, and a collaborative willingness to explore, innovate, and implement new modalities for theological education.
Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a premier private, comprehensive, research university located in Dallas, TX, known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life. Established in 1911, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, to promote higher education and freedom of inquiry, SMU serves more than 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across various disciplines, including business, law, education, engineering, theology, arts and the humanities. SMU affirms its historical commitment to academic freedom and open inquiry, to moral and ethical values, and to its United Methodist heritage.
The Perkins School of Theology, is a premier endowed institution for theological education and has been part of SMU since its founding, with a community dedicated to theological education and research in the service of the church of Jesus Christ. Perkins is Wesleyan by tradition, United Methodist by affiliation, inclusive of diverse expressions of Christianity, and is welcoming to all. As one of 13 United Methodist seminaries, Perkins is focused on preparing students for a broad field of ministry roles within and beyond the church, leadership positions for nonprofit organizations, and nontraditional religious communities. With a strong focus on student spiritual formation, Perkins combines rigorous academic training and a transformative educational experience for those pursuing vocations in ministry, chaplaincy, and religious leadership. Perkins serves over 300 students from a variety of religious backgrounds and academic aspirations to equip persons for faithful leadership and Christian ministry in a changing church and society and educates those seeking a deeper understanding of the Christian faith. As well, Perkins seeks to strengthen the church, academy, and world through service, scholarship, and advocacy.
The Dean is the executive leader for the Perkins School of Theology and reports to the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs of SMU. In close collaboration with the Perkins and SMU administration, faculty, and Executive Board, the Dean manages overall strategic, financial, and operational responsibilities for Perkins. The Dean’s office and Perkins are supported by a talented team of more than 30 administrators and support professionals and the Dean oversees and stewards an annual operating budget of approximately $20 million and an endowment of over $230 million.
The next Dean of Perkins will join a community dedicated to Perkins’ success and will have the opportunity to bring visionary leadership, build upon the legacy and trajectory of the school in the modern theological educational landscape, and be embedded in a campus, church community, and region that are supportive of and excited about the impactful future of Perkins and its graduates.
The next Dean of Perkins will join a community of faculty, administrators, and lay leaders dedicated to the success of Perkins. The next Dean of Perkins will have the opportunity to execute visionary leadership and build on the academic and endowment legacy of Perkins. The next Dean will have the opportunity to shape the trajectory of the faculty and school as a leader within the modern theological educational landscape. The next Dean of Perkins will have the opportunity to serve a campus, church community, and region that support and envision an unlimited future for Perkins and its graduates.
The successful candidate will hold a doctoral degree, with a Ph.D. preferred, along with a record of academic scholarly achievements worthy of tenure at Perkins. Perkins has an enduring affiliation and denominational connection to The United Methodist Church, and membership in the UMC denomination is required for the new Dean.
This is a full-time position to be performed on site in Texas. Salary is competitive, commensurate with experience, and accompanied by a generous benefits package.
Nominations and applications should be submitted electronically as soon as possible. The Perkins Dean Search Committee will begin to evaluate applications in November 2024. Although applications will be welcomed until the time that a new dean is selected, candidates should submit materials by Friday, November 8th, 2024, to ensure full consideration. Applications should include a letter of interest that responds to the agenda for leadership and the desired attributes for the new Dean and a curriculum vitae/resumé. All materials will be considered in full confidence.