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DALLAS – Dr. , associate professor of Christianity and Cultures at Perkins School of Theology-ÃÛÌÒ½´Methodist University, has been named director of the school’s Houston-Galveston Extension Program, effective June 1.

The appointment of Dr. Magallanes, a member of the Perkins faculty since 2007, reflects a key step in the program's revitalization.

“Dr. Magallanes brings great energy, enthusiasm, administrative ability and relevant experience to the position,” said Dean . “Dedicated leadership is needed for the growth of this crucial program, sometimes known as 'Perkins South.' This is a critically important move and a vital investment in the future of theological education in the region.”

From 2011 to 2017, Dr. Magallanes served as director of Perkins' Center for the Study of Latino/a Christianity and Religions, He will be succeeded by Dr. , professor of Supervised Ministry and a member of the Perkins Intern Program faculty.

Established in 1995, the Houston-Galveston Extension Program provides the opportunity for students in Houston, Galveston and the surrounding areas an opportunity to begin study toward three master’s degrees in theology: the Master of Divinity (M.Div.), the Master of Arts in Ministry (M.A.M.) and the Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.). The program includes classrooms in three Houston Medical Center venues -- St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Houston Methodist Hospital and St. John’s United Methodist Church (Downtown) -- and in Galveston at Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church.

Classes meet in Houston each Thursday evening and two Friday evenings per month, with one Saturday in Houston and one in Galveston per course per semester. The program’s offices are located within St. Paul’s UMC.

"I am eager to listen to our students and denominational leaders in the Houston-Galveston area to find creative ways to offer quality theological education in the region," Dr. Magallanes said. "My commitment is to serve Houston-area students and their particular needs."

In addition to the Houston-Galveston Extension Program, Perkins co-sponsors regular “Faith and Medicine” luncheons with Houston Methodist Hospital and offers courses to medical professionals entitled “Sacred Vocations.” Both explore the relationship between spiritual beliefs and physical health.

The on-site student services specialist for the Houston-Galveston Extension Program is Dr. Jonathan Chism. He can be reached at jchism@smu.edu or at 214-768-2645.

Learn more about the Houston-Galveston Extension Program.

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, founded in 1911, is one of five official University-related schools of theology of . 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 at SMU’s of Humanities and Sciences.