Perkins School of Theology Announces Appointment of Rev. Dr. Pamela White as Director of the Intern Program

DALLAS, TX – Perkins School of Theology at 91ÇÑ×Ó is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Dr. Pamela White as the new Director of the Intern Program, effective June 1.

The Intern program provides students with structured, hands-on ministry experiences that integrate academic learning with practical application.

White, an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, brings a wealth of ministerial and professional experience to the role, along with a strong commitment to mentoring future church leaders.

“I’m thrilled and excited to be part of the Perkins team,” said White. “Perkins’ leaders are truly listening to the changing needs of society, students, and ministry, to make sure Perkins is adapting accordingly. The future of ministry is dynamic, and I am honored to play a role in shaping that future.” 

White’s experience spans churches of various sizes, from small congregations to large churches. She currently serves as Senior Pastor of First Rowlett United Methodist Church in Rowlett, Texas. A two-time graduate of Perkins (M.Div. 2014, D. Min. 2021), she also expects to complete a Certificate in Spiritual Direction at Perkins in 2025. Prior to entering the ministry, White was a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice for more than 15 years, an experience that has deeply informed her approach to pastoral care and mentorship.

She has also been actively engaged with the Intern Program, serving as a pastoral mentor for Perkins students over the years. She also stepped in last year to support students following the sudden passing in late 2023 of Rev. Dr. Charles Aaron, who had served as Co-Director of the Intern Program since 2017.

“My biggest goal is to ensure that the Intern Program continues to be a bridge between academic learning and practical ministry application,” White said. “It’s vital that we equip students not only with knowledge but with hands-on experiences that challenge and stretch them in meaningful ways.”

The search committee for the Director of the Intern Program was chaired by Dr. Bruce Marshall, Lehman Professor of Christian Doctrine at Perkins.
“This is a time of rapid and challenging change in the church and in theological education,” said Marshall.

“Dr. Pam White’s remarkable range of experience in ministry and beyond equips her exceedingly well to lead the Intern Program and help us meet the challenges that face our students.”

Marshall also noted White’s leadership qualities. “Pam is a calm and discerning person who makes good decisions and sticks to them. We are grateful for her commitment to leading our program. The internship has long been a hallmark of preparation for Christian ministry at Perkins. Pam White is just the leader we need to move this essential program into the future.”

Interim Dean Hugo Magallanes also welcomed White and expressed appreciation for her leadership and dedication. “We are delighted to have Dr. Pam White join us as the new Director of the Intern Program,” said Magallanes. “Her extensive experience in ministry and theological education, combined with her passion for mentoring students, makes her an outstanding choice for this role. We look forward to the impact she will have on our students and the future of the program.”




###

, 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 91ÇÑ×Ó's  of Humanities and Sciences