COMMUNITY
Because we are in Atlanta, a city that is religiously diverse and social justice-oriented, we encourage the public, fellow scholars and our students to think differently about religion, specifically regarding how religion plays out in day-to-day life outside institutional walls, by engaging with community partners and being conscious consumers of culture and participants in civil society.
Have questions or a suggested social media post? Contact [email protected].
Alumni and Friends
Graduates of the Religious Studies bachelor's and master's programs continue to be involved in the department as alumni.
If you are a graduate of our program or just a loyal fan, please consider participating in the life of the department in the following ways:
- Alumni Board membership: Members meet twice a year, act as liaisons to the broader Atlanta community and provide financial support for targeted department projects. Contact Dr. Molly Bassett, department chair, for more information.
- Financial support: As state funding for higher education decreases, the department increasingly relies on alumni and donor gifts to develop programming. To designate a gift for the Department of Religious Studies, contact Elizabeth Spears, College of Arts and Sciences development officer.
After Georgia State
Here’s what our alumni are doing – contact Dr. Molly Bassett to find out more.
Academics
- Monique Barlow, MA ’17, completing her Ph.D., Department of Political Science, Georgia State University
- Mary Grace Dupree, MA ’15, completing her Ph.D., Department of Religion, Emory University
- Sahar Farooqui, MA ’17, Senior Editor, American Academy of Religion (Atlanta)
- Sarah Levine, BA ’09, MA ’12, Associate Director of Publishing, American Academy of Religion (Atlanta)
- Anthony Petro, BA ’03, Assistant Professor, Department of Religion, Boston University
- Amanda Pinney, BA ’06, Development Associate, Office of Development, J. Mack Robinson College of
Business, Georgia State University - John Sullivan, MA ’10, completing his Ph.D., Department of History, Georgia State University
- Ed Van Herik, MA ’15, completing his Ph.D., Department of Communication, Georgia State University
Business
- Erika Dorland, MA ’11, Business Development Executive, Brilliant Data (Marietta, GA)
- Audra Esker, BA ’11, Field Sales Specialist, Michaels and Associates Food Service Sales Brokerage (Nashville, TN)
- Aaron Golden, BA ’07, Learning and Development Consultant, Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.
- Ndola Hagood, MA ’10, co-owner Marie’s at Ummat’s Café (restaurant, catering)
- Matt Hinton, BA ’97, owner, Bell Street Burritos (restaurant)
- Derek Jackson, BA ’97, co-owner, International Castings (import/export business)
- Mike Luttrell, BA ’01, Director of Information Technology, Woodruff Health Sciences Center
- Justin Strickland, BA ’15, Supervisor, Landry and McCormick & Schmick’s
Law & Government
- Rachel Blume, MA ’12, Associate Attorney, Blume & Blume Attorneys at Law, focused on criminal law, divorce and family, social security, juvenile matters, workers compensation
- David Dreyer, BA ’01, House District Representative, Georgia State Legislature; business litigation attorney with Chamberlain Hrdlicka
- Amna Shirazi, BA ’07, founder and head of Shirazi Law Firm, focused on immigration issues such as deportation defense, detention, asylum/human rights and consular issues
Nonprofit
- Leslie Andrews, BA ’12, Grant Solutions Trainer, World Vision (Washington, DC)
- Justin Howell, BA ’97, Deputy Director, International Rescue Committee (Atlanta)
- Ameer Muhammad, MA ’16, Director of Community Outreach, Pianos for Peace (Atlanta)
K-12 Education
- Sherry Bouhi, MA ’13, World History Teacher, Westlake High School
- Sherry Morton, MA ’10, STEAM Teacher, Hess Academy
Healthcare
- Jason Lesandrini, MA ’06, Executive Director of Medical and Organizational Ethics, WellStar Health System
Religious Studies Student Forum
The Religious Studies Student Forum is the Georgia State-chartered student organization established to promote the academic study of religion and serve those students who are interested in religious studies.
Contact Us
The Department of Religious Studies
Office Hours (Available Remotely):
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Office Hours (In Person):
By appointment
Department Chair
Molly Bassett
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Ashlyn Strozier
Director of Graduate Studies
Kali Cape
Department Specialist
Lauren Cooper
Department Specialist
Donna Hardaway
Office/Delivery Address
Department of Religious Studies
Georgia State University
25 Park Place, Suite 1700
Atlanta, GA 30303
Mailing Address:
Department of Religious Studies
Georgia State University
P.O. Box 3994
Atlanta, GA 30302-3994