2020 Barton Lecture with Dr. Luis Pedraja Takes Place September 21
Dr. Luis Pedraja, president of Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) in Worcester, Massachusetts, will deliver the 2020 Barton Lecture, “Living in the Margins: Theology and Education in the New Decade,” to be presented virtually on Monday, September 21 at 7 p.m.
DALLAS (SMU) – Dr. Luis Pedraja, president of Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) in Worcester, Massachusetts, will deliver the 2020 Barton Lecture, “Living in the Margins: Theology and Education in the New Decade,” to be presented virtually on Monday, September 21 at 7 p.m.
Pedraja will define and explore the topic of the “margins," particularly how the margins relate to economic gaps, changes in ethnic and racial demographics, and the roles of the Church and higher education in the new decade
With more than 20 years of higher education experience as an administrator and professor, Dr. Pedraja is an advocate for increased access for groups historically underrepresented in the higher education system. His work centers on how the increased knowledge of cultures and languages promotes intercultural affirmation. He has launched several initiatives at QCC, including the creation of a new student center and a new mentoring program.
The Roy D. Barton Lectureship was established in 1995 to honor Dr. Barton for his distinguished service to the seminary and his equally distinguished service to the Hispanic United Methodist Church. Dr. Barton served as the founding Director of The Hispanic/Latin@ Ministries Program (then called the Mexican American Program) and Associate Professor of Practical Theology in Perkins School of Theology from 1974 until his retirement in 1995.
“The Barton Lecture was created to disseminate knowledge of Hispanic/Latin@ theology and ministry for the benefit of the academy, the church, and the wider public,” said Rev. Paul Barton, Ph.D., director of the Hispanic/Latin@ Ministries Program. “Through the lectures, participants have heard from the leading Hispanic/Latin@ scholars in theological education and church leaders who have made a significant impact on the Hispanic/Latin@ church and community.”
Past speakers have included Dr. Justo L. González, Dr. Daisy L. Machado, Dr. Elizabeth Conde-Frazier, Bishop Ruben Saenz, Jr., Dr. Loida Martell, Dr. Hugo Magallanes, Dr. Fernando Segovia, and Dr. Harold J. Recinos.
There is no charge to attend, but participants must register in advance. To learn more about the lecture and register, visit the website.