Perkins School of Theology Dean Search

On May 31, 2024, Provost Elizabeth G. Loboa sent an invitation to members of SMU's faculty and staff to participate in the search committee for the next Leighton K. Farrell Endowed Dean of the Perkins School of Theology. Provost Loboa formed and charged a search committee to recommend candidates for service as the next dean. To support this process and search committee Storbeck Search has been retained as the executive search consultant. 

The search committee welcomes support and feedback. To nominate prospective candidates or to ask questions of the committee, send an email to Storbeck Search at SMUPerkinsDean@storbecksearch.com, who has been retained as executive search consultant.


Perkins School Dean Position Description

Position description (PDF)


Search Committee Members

Peter Moore, Committee Chair
Associate Director, O’Donnell Data Science and Research Computing Institute

Karen Baker-Fletcher
Professor of Systematic Theology, Perkins School of Theology

Bob Bucker
Strategic Affairs, Development and External Affairs

Jill DeTemple
Professor and Chair, Department of Religious Studies, Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences

Anthony Elia
Director of Bridwell Library and J.S. Bridwell Foundation Endowed Librarian

Erika Fadel
Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Dedman School of Law

Lisa Garvin
Chaplain and Minister to the University

Mark Grafenreed
Doctoral Student in Religious Studies, Perkins School of Theology and Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences

Cynthia Fierro Harvey
Resident Bishop, Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church and Perkins School of Theology Executive Board Member

Andy Keck
Chief of Staff, Perkins School of Theology

Jim Lee
Associate Professor of the History of Early Christianity, Perkins School of Theology

Katherine Lyle
Co-Vice Chair, Perkins School of Theology Executive Board

Rebekah Miles
Susanna Wesley Centennial Professor of Practical Theology and Ethics, Perkins School of Theology

Caren Prothro
SMU Board of Trustees Member

Paul Rasmussen
Senior Minister, Highland Park United Methodist Church and SMU Board of Trustees Member

Julie Yarbrough
Chair, Perkins School of Theology Executive Board