Members
shape AAR’s leadership. The opportunity to influence the direction of the
organization in this way is an often-overlooked benefit of AAR membership. Each
year, members may nominate candidates—even themselves—for positions on the AAR
Board of Directors.
Elections are held each year for open board positions. In the fall of 2024, AAR membership will be voting to elect new board members (Vice President, Treasurer, and Status Committee Director) whose terms will begin at the close of the 2024 November Annual Meeting. Now is the time to nominate members who could become candidates in the 2024 election for the AAR Board of Directors.
The call for 2024 AAR Board of Directors nominations is open through January 29, 2024. Not all board positions are open for election each year. This year, AAR members may nominate candidates for Vice President, Treasurer, and Status Committee Director. The members elected in fall 2024 will guide the AAR into fulfilling its mission for the future.
AAR President Jin Y. Park emphasizes the importance of holding a board position: “The American Academy of Religion prospers through the active engagement of its members. By participating in various leadership roles in the Academy, scholars find a concrete venue to express their scholarship and channel their visions and values in new ways. I strongly encourage members to consider joining these exciting possibilities and making the guild stronger.”
Board positions open for election differ each year. Board members whose terms will end in November 2024 are: President Jin Y. Park, Treasurer Nadine Pence, and Status Committee Director Thelathia Young. Presidential line board members will move into new roles after a year of service; President-elect Leela Prasad will become President and Vice President Laurel C. Schneider will become President-elect. Current board members continuing after November 2024 include Secretary Kathleen Sands, At-Large Director Keri Day, At-Large Director Darla Schumm, Contingent Faculty Director Patrick Reyes, Program Unit Director Ann Gleig, Regions Director Matthew Vaughan, and Student Director Ristina Gooden.
AAR members can self-nominate or nominate someone else using the AAR Volunteer Leadership Nominations Portal.
All nominations must be received by Monday, January 29, 2024 at 6:00 PM Eastern Time and must include the following materials:
- A
brief 200-word biographical sketch
- A
statement (450–500 words) on the nominee’s objectives and goals for the
position
- A
current curriculum vitae
If you know of someone who thinks strategically and might have a positive impact on AAR’s future, please nominate them for a leadership position.
“Our professional association is addressing important issues of access and advocacy within the academic study of religion. Please (self-) nominate the best and most passionate colleagues to serve our guild in these leadership positions and to wisely shape the AAR’s future,” says Executive Director Claudia Schippert.
Make Nomination