PSR is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Heesung Hwang to the position of Associate Professor of United Methodist Studies, Religious Education, and Leadership. Following a rigorous faculty and community search process, Dr. Hwang has been selected to help shape PSR’s distinctive reimagination of theological education. In addition to bringing outstanding academic preparation and experience, she embodies PSR’s commitment to make theological education more widely accessible and impactful; bring faith to bear on the creation of a world where all can thrive; and a research agenda that centers the wisdom and needs of historically marginalized communities. In addition to her faculty appointment, she will also serve as the Academic Director of Congregational Renewal Cohorts Program—a Lilly Endowment Inc. funded program we are developing around our Theological Education for Leadership coursework.
Dr. Hwang holds a PhD in Christian Education and Congregational Studies from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL. Her dissertation, “Come Play in my Madang: An Application of Redemptive Community for Emerging New Second-Generation Korean American Children in a Globalizing Society,” explored Wesleyan concepts including Wesley’s Sunday school movement, prevenient grace, and the interplay between personal and communal salvation. She is ordained as Deacon in Full Connection with The United Methodist Church (Northern Illinois Conference). She also holds and MDiv from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, an MTh and BTh from Methodist Theological University in Seoul, South Korea. She brings teaching experience from various institutions in the United States and abroad, currently serving at Saint Paul School of Theology, Leawood, KS.
She has written and presented extensively and is the author Reframing Religious Education for a Global Generation (Pickwick, 2024) and Spiritual Formation for the Burnout Generation: An Asian American Christian Perspective. (Bloomsbury, 2026) forthcoming. Alongside her scholarly work, she brings extensive leadership experience in both academic and faith communities. Her roles include serving with OPEN Methodists (Progressive Korean UM Clergy in the Northern Illinois Conference, UMC), as a steering committee and board member of the Religious Education Association (REA), and as a DEI Advisory Editorial Board member for the Belonging series by UMC Discipleship Ministries.
Reflecting on her new role, Dr. Hwang shared, “I am thrilled to join the dynamic and innovative community at Pacific School of Religion. PSR’s dedication to reshaping theological education and amplifying the voices of historically marginalized communities aligns deeply with my own commitments and passions. I am especially excited to work alongside PSR’s distinguished faculty, whose cutting-edge scholarship is redefining the landscape of religious studies and leadership. I look forward to collaborating with students, faculty, and staff as we engage in meaningful work together, integrating faith, scholarship, and leadership to inspire a more equitable and compassionate world. I can’t wait to start this new chapter and become part of the PSR family.”
She will begin her work at PSR on January 1, 2025. Please join us in welcoming Heesung to the PSR community!