Why Perkins?

1914

Perkins School of Theology, as it is known today, has been part of SMU since the University's founding by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Bishop Edwin Mouzon was appointed the first dean of the Theological Department at SMU in 1914 which opened in the next year.

The theological department at SMU developed a reputation for progressive theology, occasionally at odds with the broader university. The university eventually removed Professor John A. Rice, who had been harassed by Fundamentalists for advocating modern historical-critical views of scripture. Despite Rice’s removal, the department of theology maintained its commitments to modern scholarship.

1939

The theological department becomes part of a newly formed denomination known as the Methodist Church. This denomination would later merge in 1968 with the United Evangelical Brethren Church to form the United Methodist Church as it is known today.

1940s

In the late 1940’s, the theological department began to expand. The GI Bill of Rights, made college education much more widely available and a seminary education became normative for Methodists of the time. As a result, the school of theology moved to a new quadrangle of the university with its own library, chapel, dormitories, classroom buildings, and administrative offices. It was during this move that the department was renamed: Perkins School of Theology. 

1940's - 50's

In these decades, Perkins School of Theology began to attract faculty members from nationally and internationally recognized research universities. Albert C. Outler, for example, joined the faculty in 1951. In the same period, Bridwell Library began to develop an international reputation as a center for historic and modern theological resources and is now one of the largest theological libraries in the world. 

1952

Perkins School of Theology admitted five African American students, the first Black students admitted to any school of Southern Methodist University. The decision to admit Black students occurred several years prior to the Supreme Court's ruling on Brown vs. Board of Education, ruling segregation unconstitutional. 

1960's

The faculty of Perkins School of Theology became much more diverse, including courses taught by professors like Rabbi Levi Olan. In this decade, the Perkins faculty adopted a statement now included in all syllabi that insists upon racial and gender inclusion in all courses.

1970's

In this decade, Perkins faculty and students were engaged in the Civil Rights movement, including traveling to march with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King in Selma. Rev. Dr. King was later invited to speak at SMU in 1966. Students and faculty were also engaged in other social issues of the time, such as the women’s rights movement, the Vietnam War and marches against the creation and use of ballistic missiles. 

1970's - 80's

By this time, the teaching of systematic theology at Perkins had come to focus on a “Credo” course, team-taught by two theology professors with radically different points of view. This course came to symbolize the kind of ideological diversity Perkins is now known for, accepting many perspectives, challenging students to collaborate across their differences. 

1980’s - 90’s

While Perkins is widely recognized for its academic rigor, the 80’s accentuated a culture of comedic critique from students, annually ‘spoofing’ faculty members in the “Perkins Panorama,” and in unauthorized underground publications such as the “Babylonian Schismatic.” Such demonstrations from students indicate the type of critical thinking and power subversion encouraged through a Perkins education.  

1995

What is today known as the Houston Extension Site originated as the Houston Program in 1995. Over the years, the Perkins School of Theology has impacted the Houston-Galveston area, producing such ministers and leaders such as Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey. Houston allowed Perkins to flourish in a time that was becoming difficult for theological education. 

2000’s

By the early 2000’s, questions of gender and identity had become commonplace in the theological conversation and at Perkins School of Theology. Throughout the years, Perkins School of Theology remained dedicated to its commitments of diversity and inclusion, creating space for anyone seeking an education. Student Life on campus supported students by assisting with the formation of several student organizations. 

2004

The Global Theological Education Program at Perkins School of Theology was officially inaugurated in 2004 with the appointment of Dr. Robert Hunt as Director of the Program. Its purpose was to give every student at Perkins the opportunity to be immersed in a Christian culture other than their own, visiting distinct international and national contexts. With most of the travel costs paid through travel stipends, Perkins students have been immersed in the borderlands of Texas, Cuba, Palestine/Israel, Africa, India, and China.

2015

From the growing demand, Perkins School of Theology began exploring course offerings in new modalities, such as hybrid. In 2017, Perkins offered the first hybrid program in Houston, setting the stage for the Houston-Galveston Hybrid Program to begin. Hybrid allowed the Perkins education to reach more students than ever before. 

2019

Under the leadership of Dean Craig C. Hill, Perkins School of Theology began implementing further programming, expanding the reach of theological education. Programs include: The Baptist House of Studies, Black-Africanca Church Studies, Centro de Acompañamiento, Solidaridad y Adiestramiento, and the MAST+ Practicum.

2024

With the growing demand for a more contextual and student-centered education, the board of trustees voted to expand the online learning already being done into one hybrid modality. The most flexible format yet, the program highlights 70% online instruction and 30% in-person classes completed through immersions.