Darleen Pryds, PhD was a fulltime faculty member from 2001-2026 at FST, where she taught History and Spirituality. She became the founding Academic Program Director of FST’s MTS-Franciscan Theology (online) in 2020. In addition to co-creating three online courses, she oversaw the initial production and implementation of all the courses that make up this degree program.
Dr. Pryds has a great passion for the Franciscan Tradition and has studied the role of lay Franciscans as leaders and spiritual practitioners since college. She has written many books and articles on the subject, which can be accessed through Academia.edu. Her teaching at FST invites students to go beyond memorizing abstract theology to explore the significance and varieties of the lived experience of faith.
Asked what her hopes are for the MTS-Franciscan Theology degree that is now online at FST/USD, she said, “I hope that more people will be able to study this rich spiritual and intellectual tradition of faith that brings heart and mind together in reflection and study for the purpose of bringing more compassion and mindful presence in our world. We need the counter-cultural insights of Francis of Assisi, the perseverance of Clare of Assisi, and the creativity of all of the lay practitioners of the tradition to inform faith today.”
After retiring from fulltime employment at FST in 2026, Dr. Pryds continues to teach on an adjunct basis. She also volunteers as a caregiver in hospice; leads pilgrimages to Franciscan sites in Italy and offers spiritual retreats around the country; and enjoys playing tennis and hiking with her family.
In our “Office Hours” series, you can catch a casual conversation with the FST professors. Here is our conversation with Dr. Pryds
