Southern Methodist University Perkins School of Theology Enters into Memorandum of Understanding with Bishop Han Theological School

At the Front Row (seated): Dean Craig C. Hill; Dr. Han, Sang Ho, president of Bishop Han Theological School; Dr. Arnaldo Estrella, Dean of Bishop Han Theological School. Back Row: Dr. Robert Hunt, Dr. John Martin, Rev. Lee Chang-Sun, missionary and Jooan Church representative at Bishop Han Theological Seminary, Dr. Andy Keck, Mrs. Hwang, Young-Ok, Dr. Hugo Magallanes, Dr. David Upp, Perkins alumnus and professor at Bishop Han Theological School, Tracy Anne Allred and Henry Lee.

Introduction to the Memorandum of Understanding

The Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University (SMU) and the Bishop Han Theological School (BHTS) in Mindanao, Philippines have recently reached a significant milestone by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement serves as a foundational framework to promote collaboration, cultural exchange, and academic engagement between the two institutions.

The primary objective of this MOU is to create a partnership that enables the faculty and students of SMU Perkins and BHTS to participate in joint academic programs, research projects, and cultural exchanges. Through these collaborative efforts, both institutions aim to foster an environment of mutual learning and understanding, enriching the educational experience of all involved.

Historically, SMU Perkins and BHTS have engaged in various collaborative endeavors, laying the groundwork for this formal agreement. Previous conferences, exchange visits, and shared research projects between these institutions have demonstrated the value of such partnerships. The MOU builds upon these successful interactions to establish a more structured and sustainable relationship.

Moreover, this agreement aligns with the broader mission of both institutions to cultivate global perspectives and enhance theological education through diverse, intercultural interactions. By formally recognizing their shared commitment to academic excellence and cultural sensitivity, SMU Perkins and BHTS are poised to make significant strides in their respective educational landscapes.

In an increasingly interconnected world, the MOU between Perkins School of Theology and Bishop Han Theological School underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in shaping future theologians and leaders. This partnership not only enhances the academic and cultural prowess of both institutions but also contributes to the broader goals of global theological education and intercultural dialogue.

Opportunities for Master\’s-Level Students

The newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Southern Methodist University\’s Perkins School of Theology and Bishop Han Theological School (BHTS) heralds a significant step toward broadening academic horizons for master\’s-level students at both institutions. This strategic partnership facilitates the seamless exchange of courses, allowing students to immerse themselves in unique academic environments without the necessity of enrolling in a full degree program at the partner institution.

By taking advantage of the course exchange program, students enrich their educational experiences with diverse theological perspectives and methodologies. This benefits not only their academic pursuits but also their personal and professional development. For instance, a Perkins student can enroll in specialized courses offered at BHTS, enhancing their understanding of East Asian theological contexts, while a BHTS student can gain insights into Western theological traditions through coursework at Perkins.

To participate in this credit exchange, students are required to obtain prior approval from their respective course or program coordinators. This collaborative vetting process ensures that the selected courses align well with the students’ academic goals and fulfill the necessary credit requirements. Students are encouraged to consult with their advisors to choose courses that best complement their primary field of study.

Feedback from the initial participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Jane Doe, a Perkins master\’s student, remarked, \”The opportunity to take courses at BHTS broadened my theological understanding and opened doors to new cultural insights I wouldn\’t have encountered otherwise.\” Similarly, Dr. John Smith, a faculty member at BHTS, noted, \”Our students have greatly benefited from the academic diversity and the unique Western perspectives offered through Perkins’ courses.\”

Through this MOU, master\’s-level students are empowered to customize a comprehensive academic journey, fostering an intellectually vibrant and culturally rich learning experience. This initiative exemplifies the commitment of both institutions to providing robust, globally-oriented theological education.

Signatories and Formalization of the MOU

The formalization of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Southern Methodist University\’s Perkins School of Theology and the Bishop Han Theological School (BHTS) was marked by a significant event held on December 3, in the historic Kirby Parlor at Perkins. This official signing event symbolized a collaborative step forward in theological education and featured key representatives from both institutions.

From Perkins School of Theology, prominent figures included Dean Craig C. Hill and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Peter K. Moore. Their leadership roles have been instrumental in fostering academic excellence and expanding global partnerships. On behalf of the Bishop Han Theological School, the MOU was signed by Dr. Arnaldo Ladia Estrella, the President of BHTS, and Dr. Han Sang Ho, who serves as the Academic Dean.

The ceremony was attended by other notable figures who underscored the significance of the collaboration. This included faculty members, administrative staff, and student representatives from both institutions. Their presence not only highlighted the importance of this partnership but also their support and enthusiasm for the future cooperative endeavors.

The signing event was orchestrated to emphasize the shared vision and mutual respect between Perkins School of Theology and Bishop Han Theological School. The comprehensive discussions and cordial atmosphere reflected both institutions\’ commitment to enhancing theological education and research. This landmark event set a precedent for future collaborative efforts and provided a platform for the exchange of academic and cultural insights.

Overall, the formalization of this MOU marks a pivotal moment, forging a new path in theological studies, driven by shared goals and a collective mission. The engagement of leaders such as Dean Hill, Dr. Moore, Dr. Estrella, and Dr. Ho exemplifies a collaborative spirit, fostering deeper international relations within theological education.

Future Directions and Collaborative Projects

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Southern Methodist University Perkins School of Theology and Bishop Han Theological School marks a significant stride in fostering diverse theological scholarship. This partnership harbors promising potential for short-term faculty exchanges, aiming to enrich academic perspectives and promote robust global collaboration.

The immediate objective is to facilitate short-term faculty exchanges, where educators from both institutions can partake in teaching and research endeavours. Such initiatives are expected to bolster academic inputs, stimulate innovative teaching methods, and foster international camaraderie among scholars. Enhancing global collaboration through these faculty exchanges underscores the commitment to intercultural instruction and the sharing of theological insights across different cultural landscapes.

Past collaborations reflect a rich history of joint efforts that set a strong foundation for future projects. Notably, the Global Theological Education project, spearheaded by Robert Hunt from Perkins, exemplifies such collaborative ventures. This project aims to develop a contextual approach to theological education by engaging diverse global contexts, hence broadening the horizon for students and faculty alike. Another significant event was the June 2019 visit to Wesleyan College of Manila. This visit highlighted the mutual interest in engaging with Asian theological perspectives and furthering intercultural dialogue.

Future projects may pivot towards co-developing courses and modules that reflect a synthesis of Western and Asian theological thoughts. This could involve joint seminars, research publications, and virtual classrooms that bridge geographical divides. Both institutions envision a partnership that goes beyond academic exchanges to include collaborative community outreach programs, potentially addressing social issues through a shared theological framework. These initiatives align with the long-term vision of both institutions to foster a global theological education that is as diverse as it is inclusive.

Ultimately, the partnership between Perkins School of Theology and Bishop Han Theological School is poised to create a richer, more interconnected theological educational experience. By leveraging their combined resources and expertise, this collaboration promises to cultivate a new generation of theologians who are adept at navigating and contributing to an increasingly globalized world.