Faith and Business Luncheons

The Perkins Faith and Business Luncheons are rooted in Perkins School of Theology’s long-standing commitment to theological reflection among the academic community, students preparing for a wide range of ministries, and the broader lay community. For many years, Perkins has engaged lay leaders whose personal faith shapes the public good of both the church and the world. 

Purpose and Focus 

Building on its mission to prepare persons for faithful leadership in Christian ministry, Perkins provides opportunities for critical reflection on the intersection of personal faith and public life. While the School of Theology educates clergy and laypersons for Christian ministry, the Faith and Business Luncheons intentionally learn from speakers representing diverse professional backgrounds and beliefs. 

Upcoming Luncheon

Date: April 13, 2026

Time and Location: 11:45 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. in Prothro Great Hall

Parking available along Bishop Boulevard

RSVP: Seats are limited, and reservations are required. Email us at faithandbusiness@smu.edu to reserve your seat.

Guest Speaker

  • Ambassador Ron Kirk

    Kirk is the former United States trade representative (USTR), the former mayor of Dallas, and the first African American to fill those roles. He served two terms as Mayor for the City of Dallas from 1995–2002. Ambassador Kirk was the first African American to serve as United States Trade Representative (USTR) and was a member of President Obama’s Cabinet, serving as the President’s principal trade advisor, negotiator and spokesperson on trade issues.

    Ambassador Kirk was born and raised in Austin, Texas, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and sociology from Austin College in Sherman, Texas. He received his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law in 1979. He is married to Matrice Ellis-Kirk, and they have two daughters, Elizabeth Alexandra and Catherine Victoria.

    He was Texas’ first black nominee for Senate in 2002. He has been named one of “The 50 Most Influential Minority Lawyers in America” by The National Law Journal and one of the nation’s top government relations lawyers by The Best Lawyers in America. He is the recipient of the University of Texas Distinguished Alumni Award, Woodrow Wilson Center for Public Policy’s Outstanding Public Service Award, the Young Texas Exes Award, and the Austin College Distinguished Alumni Award.  Ambassador Kirk also received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Degree from Austin College and the Mickey Leland Leadership Award from Texas 51³Ô¹ÏÍøUniversity. He is currently serving as a Trustee for Austin College and the University of Texas Law School Foundation as well as the Advisory Commission for the Center for American Progress. Ambassador Kirk is Senior of Counsel at the Gibson Dunn law firm.