Perkins sees record spike in applications

There are 13 United Methodist-affiliated seminaries in theUnited States, and SMU’s Perkins School of Theology seems tobe on its way to being one of the most popular.

The theology school experienced a 47 percent increase inapplications from the previous year. Although other theologyschools had more applicants as well, Perkins saw the largestincrease.

Chandler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga.,saw an 11.5 percent increase this year said Shonda Jones, assistantdean of Admissions and Financial Aid.

Duke Divinity School could not say the exact percentage of theincrease, but Donna Claycomb, director of admissions, saidapplications exceeded 500 for the first time.

“Perkins is attractive to students for several reasons,one of which is … our commitment to practical and contextualeducation, demonstrated by our internship program which has becomea national model, along with programs such as our Hispanic,Women’s and Urban studies certificate programs,” saidRev. Gary MacDonald, director of the Office of Continuing Educationand Public Affairs at the theology school.

MacDonald attributed the increase in applications this year tonot only the reputation of the program, but also to “theconcerted effort the school has made in reaching out to personsbeing called to the ministry.”

Second-year student, Abe Smith, 28, who is working toward amaster’s of divinity, praised the program.

“In my first year, I experienced a strong sense of familyat Perkins which was both comfortable and inviting to me,” hesaid.

Smith also said he benefits from the diversity of the studentsat the theology school.

“My classmates range from 22 years old to 60-somethingyears old … and they represent a world view. There arestudents in my classes who are African-American, Asian, Hispanic,Indian, as well as Caucasian.”

Smith is also convinced that his faith is growing and changingas a result of the theology school.

“I have no doubt that when I leave Perkins I will havebeen challenged in all aspects of my faith and religiouslifestyle,” he said.

Some other graduate schools at SMU experienced increases inapplications. The Dedman School of Law saw a 16 percent increasesaid Virginia Keehan, acting director of Admissions. This increaseis on top of a 48 percent increase last year.

The engineering school was up 16 applicants this fall said MarcValerin, director of Graduate and Executive Admissions.

Meadows School of the Arts did not see an increase.

“Applications hover around 250 every year because of howsmall our program is. It is the smallest graduate program atSMU,” said Jean Cherry, director of the Office of GraduateAdmissions and Records.

The MBA program in the Cox School of Business saw applicationsdown between 25 and 33 percent this year said Shelly Nichaus,associate director of admissions.

“Most MBA programs around the country are down inapplications this year,” Niehaus said.

Representatives from Dedman College’s graduate programwere not available to report Dedman graduate numbers.