Greetings from the campus of Perkins School of Theology, where the fall semester is already in full swing. There’s a contagious “autumn energy” here as students and faculty dive into their studies and ministries with renewed sense of purpose.
As we look to Advent, we also look toward what’s on the horizon for our Perkins community. Advent is a season of anticipation—a time to prepare our hearts and remember the coming of Christ and to look forward with hope. For us at Perkins, this spirit of expectancy reflects our own hope amidst the many changes underway.
Perkins has been transformed in recent years, adapting alongside a rapidly changing world. This fall, we launched a new curriculum for our master level programs, including significant changes to our M.A.M. and M.Div. degree programs, making them even more relevant and responsive to our students’ needs and to the communities they will serve. We’ve also embraced a new modality for these programs; both the M.Div and M.A.M. degrees are now accessible almost entirely online, enabling students to pursue theological education from any geographical location.
Another exciting milestone is our new M.Div. in Spanish degree program, which welcomed its inaugural cohort of 13 students this fall. This program reflects our commitment to broader accessibility and inclusivity, bringing theological education to more people in more languages. For those studying on our Dallas campus, we’ve also introduced a new schedule to better align with the rhythm of student life and academic demands; and to increase physical presence here on campus.
Looking further ahead, we’re in discussions with other church and academic institutions, aiming to create new partnerships that will expand our reach and impact. While details are still unfolding, we’re exploring partnerships with undergraduate institutions to offer accelerated degree programs and with ministry incubators and organizations to provide additional opportunities for our students.
In all of these endeavors—those already in place as well as those on the horizon—we see a chance to widen our embrace, to serve a growing community of students, and to extend the reach of theological education in transformative ways.
As Advent begins, may this season of expectancy fill your heart with peace, joy, and the promise of new beginnings. Warmest blessings for a meaningful holiday season.
Dr. Hugo Magallanes
Leighton K. Farrell Dean, ad interim
Perkins School of Theology,