As the son of a Methodist minister who spent time on the SMU campus while his father studied at the Perkins School of Theology, the Rev. Steve Rankin said his recent appointment as chaplain and minister to the University has “a coming home feel to it.”
Rankin, 54, assumes his new duties July 1, assuming the post from Reverend William Finnin, who retired in December of 2008 after 28 years in the post. Rankin, a Kansas native, also has been appointed as an adjunct professor of church history and ministry in the Perkins School of Theology.
Vice President for Student Affairs Lori White announced Rankin’s appointment in a May 15 e-mail to the SMU community.
“I am very pleased that Reverend Dr. Steve Rankin has accepted the position as SMU’s Chaplain and Minister to the University,” White wrote in her announcement. “Dr. Rankin is one of the finest university chaplains in the country and is known as a gifted and visionary leader; compassionate pastor; and someone who is deeply interested in students and their spiritual and personal development. He will be a tremendous addition to the SMU family.”
Having experience in pastoral care and counseling, university worship and religious life advertisement and programming, Rankin also holds close ties to the Dean of the Perkins School of Theology, William B. Lawrence, and other religious leaders throughout the Dallas community.
“I’ve developed a passion for working with college/university students as I have come to recognize how important the undergraduate years are for developing a sense of calling, of vocation or ‘What am I supposed to do with my life?'” Rankin said.
Rankin’s credentials include a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University, a master of divinity from the Saint Paul School of Theology, a master of theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a doctorate in religious studies from Northwestern University and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.
Upon arriving at SMU, Rankin hopes to “create a campus environment that supports SMU’s commitment to spiritual growth, ethical behavior, intellectual and academic exploration of religion and spirituality and the rich diversity of religious faiths and traditions.”
“I often refer to myself as a ‘blue collar’ scholar,” Rankin said. “I love ideas and the academic environment, but I want to make sure that those ideas are working “on the ground.” I’m not satisfied with just the classroom. I want a mix of both academic interaction and experiences beyond the classroom that are as much a part of education as the classroom.”
The former minister of Southwestern College in Winfield, Kan., Rankin was also the chair professor of religious studies. Rankin has held pastoral appointment in Rome and Florence, as well as Chicago and Kansas.
“I’ve been on campus a number of times for events and to use the Perkins library,” explained Rankin. “I’ll be the ‘new kid’ and will need to get acquainted as such.”
Rankin and his wife Jodi Leeper have four children and one grandson.
