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DALLAS (ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½) – Perkins School of Theology at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Methodist University has appointed Rev. Dr. Kate Hanch as the new director of the Baptist House of Studies (BHS), effective August 11. A pastor, theologian and scholar, Hanch brings more than a decade of experience in congregational ministry and theological education across denominational lines.

Hanch currently serves as associate pastor at First St. Charles United Methodist Church in Missouri. Ordained at Holmeswood Baptist Church in 2011, she has ministered in both Baptist and United Methodist contexts and is widely recognized for her inclusive and justice-centered leadership. Her appointment reflects Perkins’ mission to equip persons for faithful leadership and Christian ministry in a changing church and society.

Bryan P. Stone, Leighton K. Farrell Endowed Dean at Perkins School of Theology, welcomed the appointment as a key development in the ongoing growth of the program. “I am happy to announce the appointment of Rev. Dr. Kate Hanch as the new director of the Baptist House of Study at Perkins School of Theology,” said Stone. “Dr. Hanch’s appointment signals a new day and a significant step forward for our Baptist House of Studies, thanks to the Baugh Foundation and to the years of groundbreaking hard work provided by Rev. Dr. Jaime Clark-Soles, Rev. Dr. George Mason, and Rev. Annette Owen. As Dr. Hanch takes on this leadership role, she brings rich congregational experience, an imaginative vision for supporting Baptist students, and a lively research agenda that will take Baptist studies to the next level within our institution and in the wider region. The Baptist House of Studies is one of our most important ecumenical initiatives at Perkins, and I’m delighted that Dr. Hanch will be partnering with us in outreach, nurture and support, research, and study.”

Hanch holds a Ph.D. in theology and ethics from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, where her dissertation — Prophetic Humility: A Feminist Theological Account — examined themes of power, justice and divine love through the lens of humility. She earned her M.Div. from Central Baptist Theological Seminary and a B.A. in religion from Missouri Baptist University.

Her research spans feminist theory, Black and womanist theology, and Christian mysticism. Her first book, Storied Witness: The Theology of Black Women Preachers in 19th Century America (Fortress Press, 2022), highlights the theological contributions of Black women in American religious history.

A dedicated educator, Hanch has taught at the Baptist Seminary of Kentucky, Central Baptist Theological Seminary and Lindenwood University, among others. She has presented nationally at the Society of Biblical Literature, the American Academy of Religion and the College Theology Society. Her articles appear in Review & Expositor, Liturgy and Perspectives in Religious Studies, and she contributes regularly to Baptist News Global on issues of inclusion, spirituality and social transformation.

“I look forward to joining Perkins and being a part of a seminary that cares deeply about the church and the world,” Hanch said. “I hope to empower and equip students to live out their call through an education that is creative, ecumenical and rooted in community.”

“Having worked in the church for many years, I know we need to think differently about long-held traditions,” she added. “I’m excited about exploring new models for theological education — whether that’s through online learning, ecumenical partnerships or equipping students with skills to serve not only in the parish but also in the wider world.”

The Baptist House of Studies at Perkins supports Baptist students in their theological formation through mentorship, coursework, worship and vocational discernment. Established in 2021, BHS advances one of Perkins’ most vital ecumenical initiatives—promoting collaboration, leadership development and spiritual depth in the Baptist tradition within a welcoming and inclusive theological community.

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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 The Graduate Program in Religious Studies at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½'s  of Humanities and Sciences.