Perkins and MTU Partner to Advance Global Theological Education
DALLAS (Çàɬֱ²¥) –Perkins School of Theology at Çàɬֱ²¥ Methodist University and Methodist Theological University in Seoul, Republic of Korea, have entered into a three-year memorandum of understanding to strengthen academic collaboration, student and faculty exchanges and shared research initiatives in theological education.
The agreement, effective Aug. 13, 2025, sets a framework for cooperative activities that will enrich both institutions, including educational student exchanges, visiting faculty opportunities, joint academic projects and collaborative research. Each year, MTU and Perkins will review progress and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
The partnership builds on deep Methodist connections and shared commitments to preparing future leaders for ministry in diverse global contexts. Discussions between the institutions have potential initiatives such as:
-
Accelerated Bachelor’s/M.Div. or joint degree programs, including advanced standing for students or graduates of one school when pursuing theological degrees at the other.
-
Faculty exchanges to contribute to teaching, research and conferences.
-
Joint conferences and publications on topics of global theological significance, including the role of theology in the age of artificial intelligence, reconciliation in politically polarized societies and the future of church leadership.
"This agreement embodies our shared Methodist heritage and our dedication to developing leaders for both the church and the wider world,” said Dr. Bryan Stone, Dean of Perkins School of Theology. “Through our partnership with MTU, we aim to enhance cross-cultural theological education, provide meaningful learning opportunities for students and faculty and promote collaborative, global theological research."
Leaders at MTU echoed the enthusiasm for the new partnership.
“Perkins has a rich tradition of theological scholarship and ministry formation,” said MTU President Dr. Kyoung-dong Yoo. “We look forward to building meaningful academic exchanges, fostering friendships between our communities and creating new pathways for students and faculty to grow in their calling and service.”
###
Perkins School of Theology, founded in 1911, is one of five official University-related schools of theology of The United Methodist Church. Degree programs include the Master of Divinity, Master of Sacred Music, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Ministry, Master of Theology, Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Pastoral Music as well as the Ph.D., in cooperation with The Graduate Program in Religious Studies at Çàɬֱ²¥'s Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences.