معرفی
Alyce McKenzie serves as the Le Van Professor of Preaching and Worship and Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor at Southern Methodist University's Perkins School of Theology, where she directs The Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence.
Education:
- Ph.D., Princeton Theological Seminary, 1994
- M.Div., The Divinity School, Duke University, 1980
- B.A., Bryn Mawr College, 1977
Research Focus: Dr. McKenzie pioneers innovative approaches to preaching biblical wisdom literature (Job, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs) and Jesus' parables within contemporary cultural contexts. Her scholarship emphasizes creative sermon design through scene creation, storytelling, and strategic humor application, while addressing modern challenges like information saturation and public controversies. She investigates how friendship concepts shape preacher identity and congregational engagement.
Publication Trends: Her 25-year publication trajectory reveals evolving methodology—from foundational biblical exegesis (1990s) to contemporary cultural engagement (2000s)—culminating in current work on visual preaching techniques and comic theology. Recent publications (2018-2023) consistently integrate literary creativity with practical crisis-response frameworks.
Scientific Recognition:
- Lyman Beecher Lecturer (2015), Yale Divinity School's historic preaching lectureship
- Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Award (2011), SMU's highest teaching honor
- Ford Research Fellowship (2014) and three Perkins Scholarly Outreach Awards (2005, 2011, 2022)
- Honorary Doctorate from Aquinas Institute of Theology (2022)
Academic Leadership: As former President of The Academy of Homiletics (2012) and eight-year co-editor of Homiletic journal (2000-2008), she has shaped homiletical scholarship nationally. Her Lilly Faculty Fellowship (2001-2002) and ongoing Center directorship demonstrate sustained research impact beyond traditional grant structures. The Perkins Center functions as her primary scholarly hub for developing preaching resources.
Institutional Integration: Ordained as a United Methodist elder (2006) and serving as Preacher in Residence at Christ United Methodist Church (2013-2019), she bridges academic theory with congregational practice through the Center's initiatives.
