SMU to close extension
center in San Antonio

Southern Methodist University is closing its San Antonio theological extension program in May.
Weekly classes at University UMC, San Antonio, taught since 2002 by faculty members from SMU’s Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, haven’t attracted enough students, a Nov. 10 letter reported.
“To sustain the program, organizers had hoped for enrollment of 20 new students per year,” said the letter, signed by Bishop Joel N. Martinez and Perkins Dean William B. Lawrence. “Only nine new students enrolled this year, and only 29 students are currently enrolled in the program.”
The theology school is committed to helping current students complete courses required for their degrees, the letter said. The director of extension learning is to meet with each student to discuss future options.
The extension program, designed for those who wanted to sample seminary education without moving to Dallas, offered classes leading to master of divinity and master of church ministries degrees.