Full-time, tenured or tenure-track open rank faculty appointment in systematic theology

Perkins School of Theology

Southern Methodist University

Faculty Appointment in Systematic Theology

This is a full-time, tenured or tenure track appointment. Rank at appointment open.

 

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. The University’s entrepreneurial spirit lives in people from every academic discipline who see opportunities to create something new in the world – and work hard to bring their innovations to life. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for our students, faculty and alumni to make a global impact. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities – from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.

 

About Perkins School of Theology

Perkins School of Theology is one of the 13 seminaries of The United Methodist Church and one of only five University-related United Methodist theological schools, located in the heart of Dallas, Texas, with an extension program in Houston-Galveston.  The faculty and staff of Perkins are committed to our mission of equipping persons for faithful leadership and Christian ministry in a changing church and society.  Students study with a faculty, diverse both culturally and in theological perspective, in the School’s graduate degree and certificate studies programs.  Perkins is Wesleyan by tradition, United Methodist by affiliation, inclusive of diverse Christian expressions, and welcoming of all.  The oldest graduate professional School at Southern Methodist University, Perkins embraces its setting in the Southwestern United States while seeking to make theological education accessible, through in-person, hybrid, and distance learning, to students from the region, the nation, and around the world.

Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University is seeking to fill a full-time, tenured or tenure-track faculty appointment in systematic theology, rank open.  Position to begin on August 1, 2023.  The responsibilities and qualifications are as follows:

I. Responsibilities
 

A. Full-time teaching and scholarship in systematic theology.

 

1. Teaching courses in the various degree programs of Perkins School of Theology and in the M.A. and Ph.D. curricula of the Graduate Program in Religious Studies of Southern Methodist University.

2. Scholarship, including publications, in the field of appointment.
 

B. Participation in the life and work of Perkins School of Theology, the Graduate Program in Religious Studies, and other parts of Southern Methodist University, including the structures of governance, exercising the responsibilities normally assumed by faculty members.
 

II.Qualifications
 

A. Essential

 

1. Ph.D. or equivalent degree.

2. Demonstrated achievement or promise as a scholar and teacher in the field of systematic theology.

3. Expertise in one or more of the primary areas of systematic theology, including, but not limited to, the doctrine of God, Christology, pneumatology, theological anthropology, ecclesiology, sacramental theology, soteriology, and eschatology.

4. Commitment to the primary objectives both of Perkins School of Theology to prepare persons for leadership in the church and in Christian ministry, and of the Graduate Program in Religious Studies to prepare persons for leadership in the academy.

5. Commitment to teaching in all of the degree programs of Perkins School of Theology and the Graduate Program in Religious Studies, at all approved campus sites (including Dallas and Houston-Galveston), and in all approved modes of instruction (including in-person, online and hybrid).

6. Commitment to working in a religiously and theologically diverse and pluralistic community.

7. Knowledge of and commitment to the life of a faith community.
 

B. Desirable

1. Background, interests, perspectives, and abilities that complement those of other members of the faculty, with an openness to creative pedagogical and academic collaboration across disciplines.

2. Ordination or membership in a Methodist or other Wesleyan communion.

3. A theologian deeply conversant with the historic and global evangelical traditions of Protestantism, especially though not only in their Wesleyan forms, and able to develop systematic theological positions in evangelical terms.

 

Applications must include: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, and 3) three confidential letters of recommendation.  Submit application materials electronically to: http://apply.interfolio.com/112634

For questions regarding the online application, contact Melissa Gooch, Assistant Director of Academic Affairs: mgooch@smu.edu.

To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by December 30, 2022, but the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled.  The committee will notify applicants of its employment decisions after the position is filled.  Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.  The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.