Dr. Frederick Aquino to Join Perkins as Professor of Systematic Theology on August 1
Dr. Frederick Aquino, a noted scholar and theologian who has served on the faculty of Abilene Christian University since 1998, has been named Professor of Systematic Theology at Perkins School of Theology.
DALLAS (SMU) – Dr. Frederick Aquino, a noted scholar and theologian who has served on the faculty of Abilene Christian University since 1998, has been named Professor of Systematic Theology at Perkins School of Theology. The appointment – approved by Dr. Elizabeth G. Loboa, ÃÛÌÒ½´Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs – is effective August 1, 2023.
Returning to Dallas is a homecoming of sorts for Aquino, who received his Ph.D. in Religious Studies from ÃÛÌÒ½´in 2000. He trained under Dr. William J. Abraham, the longtime professor at Perkins who passed away in 2021, and entitled his dissertation “Communities of Informed Judgment: The Significance of John Henry Newman’s Notion of the Illative Sense for Issues in Theological Prolegomena.”
Aquino, who received tenure in 2006 and was appointed full professor in 2011, also holds Bachelor of Arts, Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in New Testament Greek degrees – all from ACU.
“Fred is a stellar scholar who is well-recognized and well-respected among his peers,” said Bishop Michael McKee, the Leighton K. Farrell Dean, ad interim, at Perkins. “I am confident that his dedication to the craft of teaching and inclination to interdisciplinary work will make him a strong teacher at Perkins.”
Dr. Aquino’s research interests include deification, soteriology, philosophy of perception, epistemology and philosophy of religion with a particular interest in the works of John Cassian, John Henry Newman and Maximus the Confessor.
He has authored two books, co-authored one other and has served as co-editor for four other books – all published by reputable university presses. In addition, he has published three dozen articles and/or chapters in books.
“I look forward to joining Perkins School of Theology,” said Dr. Aquino. “I am excited about the opportunity to foster communities of inquiry and prepare leaders for the church and the academy.”
Perkins School of Theology, 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 The Graduate Program in Religious Studies at SMU's Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences.