ministry – SMU Human Rights Program

T.I. ATKINS ’17

Educational Background: Southern Methodist University: BA in Human Rights, Religious Studies, and Spanish (2017)

Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary: M.Div in Divinity (2022)

SMU Accomplishments: At SMU, T.I. was involved with the Human Rights Council (formerly known as the SMU Human Rights Program’s Student Leadership Initiative). He also served as Beta Upsilon Chi (BYX) Fraternity President, Spanish Club President, International Justice Mission Campus Chapter Founder and President, and Highland Park Presbyterian Church (HPPC) College Ministry Student Advisor. His SMU honors and awards include the SMU Cary M. Maguire Center for Ethics and Public Responsibility Public Service Fellowship and the Sheri Mooney Memorial Recognition Award.

Postbaccalaureate Career: Since graduating, T.I. has worked as an HPPC Ministry Intern and HPPC Missions Intern in Dallas, TX; RUF Campus Ministry Intern at Boston University; Christ The King Presbyterian Church Youth Pastor in Cambridge, MA; and Center Grace Church Youth Pastor in Beverly, MA. His academic honors include his involvement in the Partnership Program, Discipleship Initiative, Center for Pastor Theologians Fellowship, and Pierce Center for Discipleship Fellowship.

Updated May 2022

HOPE ANDERSON ’17

Educational Background: Southern Methodist University: BA in Human Rights, History; BS in Sociology; Minor in Spanish (2017)

Southern Methodist University: MA in Design & Innovation (2022)

Duke Divinity School: M.Div in Divinity (2025)

SMU Accomplishments: Hope’s passion for human rights led her to intern with global nonprofits dedicated to anti-trafficking and refugee resettlement like the International Rescue Committee (IRC), as well as with local anti-poverty organizations like CitySquare. As an SMU Engaged Learning Fellow, Hope conducted research on forced migration in Nepal, Jordan, and Chile. Through the SMU Human Rights Program, she helped to organize and lead trips focused on civil rights history and criminal justice reform. Hope was recognized as a Maguire Public Service Fellow, a Dedman College Scholar, a Phi Beta Kappa member, and a recipient of the prestigious “M” Award.

Postbaccalaureate Career: Hope is a community advocate specializing in inclusive pedagogy, youth organizing, and human rights education. Following graduation, she learned alongside a new generation of social justice practitioners through the John Lewis Fellowship – a community that continues to fuel her social justice work.

In her graduate work in human-centered design, Hope merged creativity with equity through her study of inclusive design. Working to unite designers and marginalized communities together in the design process, she has engaged issues ranging from environmental racism to LGBTQ youth homelessness.

Hope worked as the Community Outreach Coordinator for the SMU Human Rights Program for five years, connecting the program’s changemakers to the Dallas community through community organizing, social impact projects, and field placements. Describing her gratitude to the SMU Human Rights Program, Hope shares: “I would not be where I am today without these people – my people.”

Today, Hope is a graduate student at Duke Divinity School in North Carolina, where she is pursuing ordination for priesthood in the Episcopal Church. At Duke, Hope explores issues of local socioeconomics and racial justice as a Thriving Communities Fellow. She continues to mentor young LGBTQ people and advocate for inclusive faith communities. Hope writes, “The SMU Human Rights Program shaped my commitment to uphold human dignity as both a priest and human rights practitioner.”

Updated May 2022