University of Richmond Department of Religious Studies

The Department of Religious Studies is delighted to share that Libby McKinney was awarded the Lynn C. Dickerson Award for 2026!

When reflecting on her time spent with the department, Libby shared:

"I am incredibly grateful to the Religious Studies department for this honor, and for the 4 years of mentorship it has provided me during my time at Richmond. I would like to say a special thank you to Dr. Stephanie Cobb, Dr. Douglas Winiarski, and Dr. Rhiannon Graybill for the guidance and knowledge they have shared with me. Not only has this department pushed me to think more critically about power and ethics, but it has also continually encouraged me to dive into unique topics that have expanded my worldview. These perspectives have not only allowed me to grow as a student but also as a person, and I know that the skills I have gained will follow me throughout life's journeys. My heart is filled with gratitude as I reflect on my last 4 years, and I am optimistic for the future of this department."

Congratulations, Libby!

Giving Day 2026 is in full swing! Check out some highlights from our year! https://vimeo.com/1181336919?share=copy

If you'd like to give this year, gifts can be made here: https://www.givecampus.com/schools/UniversityofRichmond/ur-here-giving-day/pages/academics/religious-studies?campaign_view=true

vimeo.com

We hope you'll attend Dr. Candida Moss' talk next Wednesday, April 8, at 4:30 pm in the Humanities Commons, 220.

Sponsored by the Department of Classical Studies, the Humanities Center, and the Theodore F. Adams Lecture Fund.

Mark your calendars! The departments of Religious Studies and Journalism are co-sponsoring a talk next week:

War in Iran: Behind the Headlines

Dr. Peyman Jafari, Assistant Professor of History at William and Mary and expert on the modern Middle East, in conversation with University of Richmond professors Shahan M***i (Journalism) and Yucel Yanikdag (History)

Whitehurst Living Room
Monday, March 23, at 4:30 PM

Another stellar course line-up is coming in Fall 2026!🤩 Check out the course descriptions here: https://religiousstudies.richmond.edu/courses/projected-courses.html

Svea used her Eakin Fellowship while she studied abroad in the fall semester. Check out her wonderful video here:

Svea Erickson Eakin Fellowship Svea reflects on what she learned using her Eakin Fellowship.

Religious Studies minor, Ava Jenks, wrote a great article documenting her experience on an adventure led by Professor Winiarski in search of a Shaker Fountain Stone. Check it out here!

A group of Spiders dug into Maine’s soil to solve a mystery. Instead, they deepened it. Junior Ava Jenks tells the story of a trip to New England led by religion and American studies professor Doug Winiarksi to uncover a long-lost, sacred Shaker religious artifact.

Another great video from one of our 2025-2026 Eakin Fellows, Ava Scott!

Ava Scott Eakin Fellowship Ava shares what she learned while studying early Christianity’s relationship with the Sibyls and Sibylline Oracles in Rome.

Check out this video by one of our 2025-2026 Eakin Fellows, Kaylee!

Kaylee Wyrick Eakin Fellowship Kaylee reflects on what she learned while in Indonesia.