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Perkins School of Theology welcomed one of its most diverse incoming classes in recent memory with a three-day Orientation August 18-20 on the campus of Perkins in Dallas.

Led by the Office of Enrollment Management (OEM), the Orientation followed an expanded format this year. The three-day program included a How to be a Grad Student 101 session with Bridwell Library, spiritual formation/worship experiences and service projects.  Seventy-one students participated, including the new class of 30 residential students and 38 of the 41 new students in the hybrid program.

Previously, Orientation was a single day, but the OEM moved to an expanded model this year.

“Seminary brings with it many life changes and new challenges,” said Christina Rhodes, Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management.  “Because the OEM staff at Perkins is committed to shepherding our students through these transitions, we devoted three days to introducing our students to Perkins as a welcoming and inclusive community.”

This year, the new students enjoyed three worship experiences: a Compline service at the Habito Labyrinth, a Monday morning in a Northumbrian-style prayer service, and a midday Service of Word and Table, led by faculty and staff, with Dr. Roy Heller preaching. Students also participated in two service projects: creating placemats for the Kairos Prison Ministry and “manna bags” (with snacks, socks, lip balm, bottles of water, and cards with encouraging words) to hand out to homeless people or others in need that students may encounter.  Students also learned about services offered at SMU, such as the Women and LGBTQ Center and health center, and “met” Perkins staff in an online “expo” highlighting them.

Students in the hybrid program were offered stipends to cover their travel and housing for the orientation; 38 of 41 new hybrid students took advantage of the opportunity.

“It was not a required component, but we strongly encouraged them to attend, to meet their future classmates and their future coworkers,” Rhodes said.

The attendees represented five different degree programs, twelve states, and six denominations, including members of the first-ever cohort of the Maestría en Divinidad (M.Div. in Spanish) program.

“The geographical scope of our fall incoming class is the largest we have seen in recent years,” said Rhodes. “Perkins continues to attract a diverse student body in terms of ethnicity, denomination and age.”

A few facts about the incoming student body: It’s ethnically diverse, with 59% non-white students (41% White, 28% Hispanic, 18% Black, 7% of two or more ethnicities, 4% foreign nationals, and 1% American Indian/Alaska Native). Denominations represented include United Methodists (52%) as well as Anglicans, Baptists, Catholics, Episcopalian, Lutherans, Presbyterians, non-denominational Christians and United Church of Christ. Some 70% are seeking an M.Div., the largest percentage in years.

On the third day, the program kicked off Perkins’ newly designed Introduction to Theological Studies and Research course for first year M.Div., M.A.M., and M.T.S. students.

“Organizing orientation was a labor of love that involved many faculty and staff,” said Rhodes. “We tried putting everything into those three days, so that students can fully experience Perkins and the SMU community.”

As the faculty and staff prepared for the beginning of the fall semester, I was interested in meeting with Perkins’ new students. The orientation for our new students showed that they are eager to begin their theological education and that they are excellent students who are ready!

In my conversations with several of our new students, I discovered a wide range of academic interests. A few are curious about Biblical studies, some are interested in the Hebrew Scriptures, and still others are seeking a thorough understanding of the New Testament. Of course, there were students with a keen interest in the Biblical languages, either Hebrew or Greek. Those who enroll in a Biblical language have three semesters of work before them: two semesters of learning the language and a semester of exegesis. Certainly, it is challenging work.

Others are more interested in theology, while others are more drawn to the history of the Christian Church. As I listened, I learned most of our new students came prepared and interested in the Perkins theological education. This is an excellent group of students with knowledge, passion and determination.

As proud as I am of our new students, I am equally proud of our faculty. In the past few months, there have been occasions for conversations with our faculty and learning about that on which they have been working. They have shared their scholarship with me, and I am looking forward to the publishing of several books and articles. The faculty are diligent in their work, and I hope many of you are grateful for them.

In order for theological education to occur, there is a significant group of staff members who are vital to Perkins’ educational endeavors. It could not happen without the persons who work in Bridwell Library, the school’s administrative staff, the enrollment management team and several others who are deeply committed to Perkins and our work of forming students for their vocational callings.

Thank you to all for your commitment and your work for Perkins.

Bishop Michael McKee
Leighton K. Farrell Endowed Dean, ad interim