Evelyn L. Parker, professor of practical theology at Perkins School of Theology, joined the SMU faculty in 1998. She earned a B.S. degree from Lambuth College, an M.S. degree from Prairie View A&M University, an M.R.E. degree from Perkins School of Theology and a Ph.D. degree from Northwestern University. She served as a member of the grant-writing team for the Perkins Youth School of Theology, a $1.4 million theological program for high school youth. Professor Parker served as associate dean for Academic Affairs from 2013 to 2019 - and in 2015, she was named the inaugural holder of the Susanna Wesley Centennial Chair in Practical Theology. Her major research focus is religious identity and spiritual formation in African American adolescents, adolescents in sociopolitical movements and their understanding of vocation, and teen dating violence. She has served the World Council of Churches in various capacities since 1996. Professor Parker is the author of six books, 12 articles, 18 book chapters and was executive producer for a major film. She retires as professor emerita of practical theology.
Evelyn L. Parker, professor of practical theology at Perkins School of Theology, joined the SMU faculty in 1998. She earned a B.S. degree from Lambuth College, an M.S. degree from Prairie View A&M University, an M.R.E. degree from Perkins School of Theology and a Ph.D. degree from Northwestern University. She served as a member of the grant-writing team for the Perkins Youth School of Theology, a $1.4 million theological program for high school youth. Professor Parker served as associate dean for Academic Affairs from 2013 to 2019 - and in 2015, she was named the inaugural holder of the Susanna Wesley Centennial Chair in Practical Theology. Her major research focus is religious identity and spiritual formation in African American adolescents, adolescents in sociopolitical movements and their understanding of vocation, and teen dating violence. She has served the World Council of Churches in various capacities since 1996. Professor Parker is the author of six books, 12 articles, 18 book chapters and was executive producer for a major film. She retires as professor emerita of practical theology.