A Chicano writer, theologian, and executive leader, Patrick B. Reyes, Ph.D., Auburn Theological Seminary’s Dean, and the award-winning author of The Purpose Gap and Nobody Cries When We Die. He previously served the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) as the Senior Director of Learning Design. He provided strategy and direction for FTE’s diverse programs, grants, and teams supporting the next generation of pastoral leaders. In addition, he led the historic fellowships supporting scholars of color, the Institutional Doctoral Network, and partnerships in theological and higher education. He hosted the Sound of the Genuine podcast and spearheaded research and resource design.

He is the current board president of the Religious Education Association and serves as the Co-Dean of the Freedom Seminary for the Children’s Defense Fund. Patrick provides leadership on several boards in theological and higher education, publications, and the nonprofit sector, supporting the next generation of Black, Indigenous, and Chicano spiritual and cultural leaders.

In the last decade, he has been recognized for his service and scholarship by Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Boston University, Drew University, Duke Leadership, Children’s Defense Fund, Hispanic Theological Initiative, Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy, and Raices Latinas, among others. Patrick was recently inducted into the Morehouse College MLK Jr. Collegium of Scholars, and the Council of Independent Colleges NetVUE selected The Purpose Gap as the Big Read for 2022-2023. Patrick holds a doctorate and masters from Claremont School of Theology, an M.Div. from Boston University School of Theology, and is a proud graduate of California State University, Sacramento. He lives on ancestral land in New Mexico, embracing the cultural and religious traditions and communities he and his family inherit and belong to.