Perkins School of Theology
Southern Methodist University
The Reverend Charles R. Millikan, D.Min. Endowed Chair in Spiritual Care (Open Rank)
Position Number 50160
This is a full-time, tenure-track or tenured appointment.
Perkins School of Theology at SMU is seeking to fill a full-time, faculty appointment to the newly established and endowed Charles R. Millikan Endowed Chair in Spiritual Care. Position to begin August 1, 2027. This is an open rank search for a full-time tenure-track or tenured appointment. The responsibilities and qualifications are as follows:
I. Responsibilities
A. Full-time teaching and scholarship in Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy Studies.
- Teaching courses in the various degree programs of Perkins School of Theology and, if appropriate, in the Ph.D. curricula of the Graduate Program in Religious Studies of Southern Methodist University.
- Scholarship, including publications, in the field of Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy Studies.
- Leading curricula and programming in chaplaincy studies
- Networking with hospitals, Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) programs, and other ministry partners.
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
- Ph.D. or equivalent degree.
- Demonstrated achievement or promise as a scholar and teacher in the fields of spiritual care, pastoral care, chaplaincy studies, and other cognate fields such as spirituality studies, trauma studies, inter-religious dialogue, organizational leadership, and/or theology.
- Commitment to the primary mission of Perkins School of Theology to prepare persons for religious leadership in the church, chaplaincy settings (including healthcare systems), social agencies and other places of ministry, and for leadership in the academy.
- Commitment to teaching in all the degree programs of Perkins School of Theology and in all approved modes of instruction (including in-person, online, and hybrid).
- Commitment to working in a religiously and theologically varied community, especially in working with chaplaincy students from diverse religious and spiritual paths.B. Preferred
- Ordination or membership in a Christian communion.
- CPE training and certification.
Applications must include: 1) a cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) statement of teaching philosophy, 4) an outline for a course syllabus in spiritual care, 5) statement of research agenda, 6) a writing or publication sample, and 7) three confidential letters of recommendation. Submit application materials electronically to Interfolio https://apply.interfolio.com/191511, to the attention of Ms. Avery Pryer, Executive Assistant to the Dean.
To receive priority consideration, complete applications must be received by October 15, 2026, and to ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by December 15, 2026. The committee will, however, continue to accept and review 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.
About Southern Methodist University
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. SMU’s relationship with Dallas—the dynamic center of one of the nation’s largest, fastest-growing, and most diverse 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.
About Perkins School of Theology
Perkins, the oldest graduate professional school at SMU, 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. 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. Perkins makes theological education accessible, through in-person, hybrid, and distance learning, to students from the region, the nation, and around the world. Bridwell Library, one of the most distinguished theological research institutions in North America, is home to the World Methodist Museum and has the largest collection of original John Wesley letters outside of England.
SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.
