Bishop D. Max Whitfield was appointed as director of the Center for Religious Leadership at the Perkins School of Theology by Provost Paul Ludden according to an announcement released by SMU Wednesday.

Ludden made the appointment after receiving the nomination from Perkins School of Theology Dean William B. Lawrence.

“Bishop Whitfield’s considerable experience and longstanding interest in leadership will enhance the work of the Center for Religious Leadership here at Perkins,” Dean Lawrence said in a press release. “We are excited about his willingness to share his gifts in this important role.”

The Center for Religious Leadership of Perkins School of Theology trains students in the theology of leadership. Lessons are based in an understanding of leadership as a spiritual vocation that is lived out within communities. The center uses skills from other SMU schools including the Cox School of Business and the Dedman School of Law.

Whitfield will continue to serve as Bishop in Residence at Perkins. He hopes to encourage the growth and prominence of Perkins’ religious leaders.

“The resources at Perkins specifically, as well as its context as a leading school of theology related to Southern Methodist University, position us well to help develop leaders – both clergy and laity – through spiritual growth and personal development,” Whitfield said. “Part of what I hope to facilitate is an exploration of ways to strengthen these connections.”

Whitfield came to Perkins in 2012 as a bishop in residence. Before coming to SMU, Whitfield served as bishop of the New Mexico and Northwest Texas Conferences, superintendent of the Batesville and Fayetteville Districts in the Arkansas Conference UMC. He has also served as a member of several boards including the Board of Trustees at Hendrix College.