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News Perspective Magazine Perspective Magazine: Summer 2018

Staff News

New Faces at Perkins

Rev. Dr. Charles AaronRev. Dr. Charles Aaron (M.Div. ’85) is co-director of the Perkins Intern Program and an associate professor of supervised ministry. He holds a doctorate from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Va., and is an ordained United Methodist elder in the North Texas Annual Conference.

 

Jazmin CabreraJazmin Cabrera joined the Perkins staff in January 2017 as assistant director of the Hispanic-Latin@ Ministries Program, which recruits and trains church leaders to minister effectively
to Spanish-speaking and bilingual worshippers.

Anthony EliaAnthony Elia is J.S. Bridwell Foundation Endowed Librarian and Director of Bridwell Library at Perkins School of Theology, effective June 1, 2018.

 

Reba GramReba Gram is a program specialist in the Intern Program,
having transferred from within SMU. She serves as assistant to the director of the Intern Program.

 

Mark GreimMark Greim is business manager for Perkins School
of Theology. He previously worked as a finance manager, controller and staff accountant for a wide range of private-sector companies.

 

Bridget Anderson OswaldBridget Anderson Oswald is the school’s associate director of public affairs and alumni/ae relations, assisting Rev. Connie L. Nelson, director.

 

Sandy OswaltSandy Oswalt is financial aid coordinator and administrative assistant to the Rev. Dr. Margot Perez-Greene, associate dean
for enrollment management.

 

Rev. Dr. Margot Perez-GreeneRev. Dr. Margot Perez-Greene (M.Div. ’11), is associate dean for enrollment management. A clergy member of the Rio Texas Annual Conference, Perez-Greene holds an M.A. degree in Counselor Education from Arizona State University and a Ph.D. degree in Educational Administration from The University of Texas at Austin.

 

Christina RhodesChristina Rhodes is an advancement associate in the Office of Development. She assists John Martin, director.

 

 

Retirees We’ll Miss

Judy Gibbons, assistant to the director of the Intern Program.

Michael C. Hawn, distinguished professor of church music, director of the Sacred Music Program and author of “History of Hymns,” a longstanding weekly column for The United Methodist Reporter.

William B. Lawrence, Perkins dean from 2002 to 2016, who retires as professor of American church history effective May 31. He was recognized as Professor Emeritus of Church History at Perkins School of Theology-Southern Methodist University during the 2018 SMU Commencement ceremony.

Roberta Schaafsma, director of Bridwell Library and J.S. Bridwell Endowed Librarian, from 2007-2018.

Thomas Spann (D.Min.’83), director of the Intern Program and professor of supervised ministry.

 

Staff-Faculty Appointments

Tracy Anne Allred was appointed to the new position of Assistant Dean of Student Life and Director of Community Engagement.

Herbert Coleman, director of admissions since 2015 and an admissions staff member since 2007, has been named to the new position of Director of Retention and Student Success, effective June 1. His portfolio resides within the office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and he will report to Evelyn Parker.

Isabel Docampo, professor of supervised ministry, has been named co-director of the Perkins Intern Program. In addition, she is director of the Center for the Study of Latino/a Christianity and Religions. She succeeds Hugo Magallanes.

Roy Heller, associate professor of Old Testament, has been named director of the Graduate Program in Religious Studies (GPRS). He succeeds Rebekah Miles, professor of ethics and practical theology, who led the program from 2013-2018.

James Kang Hoon Lee has been promoted to the position of associate professor of the History of Early Christianity (with tenure) by Southern Methodist University. In addition, he is the new director of the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program. He succeeds Carlos Cardoza-Orlandi, who led the program during 2017-18.

Hugo Magallanes, associate professor of Christianity and Cultures, was named the first director of the Houston-Galveston Extension Program.

 

2017 SMU Faculty Senate Outstanding Staff Award

Pamela Goolsby (center right), associate director of facilities and events in the Office of Public Affairs and Alumni/e Relations at Perkins, was awarded the 2017 SMU Faculty Senate Outstanding Staff Award. Recognized for her exemplary work with both internal and external groups who hold events at Perkins, she was one of five award recipients who were nominated by faculty and staff of their respective schools. Congratulations, Pam!

Categories
News Perspective Magazine Perspective Magazine: Summer 2018

Save The Date

Course of Study School

July 8-Aug. 17, 2018

Perkins Regional Course of Study School is a program of The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church in partnership with and administered by Perkins School of Theology. It provides a basic theological education, as prescribed by the United Methodist Book of Discipline (par. 1421.3d), to licensed local pastors. It also provides Advanced Course of Study. For more information, visit smu.edu/coss

 

Certification in Spiritual Direction Application Deadline

Aug. 1, 2018

The Perkins Certification in Spiritual Direction Program is devoted to training participants to serve as mentors in the Christian way of life. This three-year, noncredit adult and continuing education training program is held during weekend sessions in the months of April, August and December. For more information, call 214-768-3664 or visit smu.edu/Perkins/PublicPrograms/CSD

 

Houston Lay School of Theology

Aug. 25, 2018

A daylong seminar at St. Paul’s UMC, “Keeping Faith in a Multifaith Society,” will feature an excellent cadre of multifaith speakers, including Robert Hunt of Perkins, Rev. Gregory Han of Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston and local representatives from four different religions. Learn together with multifaith neighbors how to build healthy relations across religious boundaries while maintaining your own religious identity and faith. Request email updates for this program at smu.edu/perkins/oepupdates

 

An Interdisciplinary Dialogue

Oct. 15, 2018

The ABC’s of Theology and Criminal Justice Reform on the Lives of School Children of Color. Theology shapes the ethical practices of its religious institutions working for cultural, economic and social change for the common good. Criminal Justice Reform shapes how our society’s institutions uphold the protections to all of its citizens promised in the U.S. Constitution. How do theology and criminal justice reform influence the systemic conditions that set a path from school to prison for many children of color today? Sponsored by the Center for the Study of Latino/a Christianity and Religions/Perkins School of Theology-SMU. For more information, contact Isabel Docampo at idocampo@smu.edu

 

The Second Annual ArkLaTex Lecture

Oct. 22, 2018

The lecture is cosponsored by The Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence and Williams Memorial United Methodist Church of Texarkana, Tex. This year’s speaker is renowned preacher and author Rev. Frank A. Thomas.

Rev. Thomas currently serves as the director of the Ph.D. Program in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric and the Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Homiletics at Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Indiana. He authored the classic preaching book They Like to Never Quit Praisin’ God: The Role of Celebration In Preaching. For more information, please contact the Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence at shulem@smu.edu.

 

Perkins Fall Convocation: “JustWorship”

Nov. 12-13, 2018

Come to this two-day event featuring author, speaker, activist and public theologian Brian McLaren along with Sandra Maria Van Opstal. A second-generation Latina, Van Opstal is a liturgist and activist dedicated to re-imagining worship that mobilizes for reconciliation and justice. The two keynoter speakers will be joined by additional workshop leaders, panelists and musicians addressing the intersection of worship and justice. To receive email updates about this event, please visit smu.edu/perkins/oepupdates and click on “Fall Convocation for Church Leaders” after completing the registration form.

 

2018 Annual Advent Worship Service

Dec. 6, 2018

An Advent Service will be held Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, at 4 and 8 p.m. in Perkins Chapel, 6001 Bishop Boulevard, on the Southern Methodist University campus. The event is free and open to the public.

 

United Methodist Studies
Hybrid Course

Jan. 3-5, 2019

This hybrid course is geared for a wide audience — confirmation class leaders, new and longtime United Methodist church members and United Methodist certification students. Featuring Perkins faculty, it will cover the basics of United Methodist History, Theology. Request email updates at smu.edu/perkins/oepupdates

 

United Methodist Children’s Ministry and Christian Education Certification Program

Jan. 5-11, 2019

This program is open to laity and church professionals seeking United Methodist Certification in Christian Education and/or Children’s Ministry through the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM). Request email updates at smu.edu/perkins/oepupdates

 

Perkins School of Youth Ministry

Jan. 7-10, 2019

Youth ministry has a rhythm. Find yours at PSYM 2019. Visit smu.edu/perkinsyouth for more information.

 

United Methodist Church Youth Ministry Certification Program

Jan. 6-11, 2019

Certification applications will open August 1. Early Registration for PSYM and Certification will open August 22. For more information, visit smu.edu/perkinsyouth

 

The Bolin Family 2019 Public Life Personal Faith Scholarship Luncheon

Feb. 8, 2019

Featured guest Judy Woodruff, anchor of PBS NewsHour, will be interviewed by Peggy Wehmeyer, former national news religion reporter for ABC’s World News Tonight. For table sponsorship, information and registration contact, John Martin at johnma@smu.edu or 214-768-2026.

 

Houston Lay School of Theology

Feb. 16, 2019

“Praying with the Desert Fathers and Mothers,” a day-long course, will be taught by Tamara Lewis, assistant professor of the history of Christianity, Perkins School of Theology. Request email updates for this program at smu.edu/perkins/oepupdates

 

Perkins Theological School for the Laity

March 28-30, 2019

Join us for three days of study focusing on the Bible, theology and spirituality with Perkins faculty and guest speakers. Request email updates at smu.edu/perkins/oepupdates

 

2019 Commencement and Conferral of Degrees

May 18, 2019

Perkins School of Theology will honor graduating seniors during the University-wide Commencement ceremony at 9:30 a.m. in Moody Coliseum. Following Commencement, Perkins will hold its annual Celebration of Degrees and Academic Achievements at 2 p.m. at Highland Park United Methodist Church.

Perkins Fall Convocation

Save the Date: Nov. 12-13, 2018

The next Fall Convocation, focused on the theme of creative worship, will feature Brian McLaren, an internationally known author, speaker and public theologian; and Sandra Maria Van Opstal, a liturgist and advocate of worship forms that promote reconciliation and social justice.

For email updates about the 2018 Convocation, visit smu.edu/perkins/oepupdates and check “2018 Fall Convocation for Church Leaders” after completing the registration form. (While there, check out the many other informative Perkins email lists for which you can sign up.)