Dear PSR Community:
As we begin a new academic year, we are excited to welcome new colleagues.
Earlier this spring we announced the appointment of Rev. Aizaiah Yong, who will serve as Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and Pastoral Care and Academic Director of Ignite Institute. Aizaiah received his PhD in Practical Theology at the Claremont School of Theology, where he focused his dissertation on pathways of healing and liberation for multiracial people at predominantly white institutions. His research stems from his own personal experience living at the intersections of race (he is Hakka Chinese and Chicano) and his work attempts to uncover alternative spiritualities and hidden wisdoms that strengthen and support those who travel between and across racialized worlds. A licensed Pentecostal Christian minister and ordination candidate with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Aizaiah brings a breadth of professional experience in both public and private sectors. He has already jumped in fully into his work with Ignite and you can follow him on Instagram and Facebook.
We are also delighted to introduce two outstanding scholars who will be serving as adjunct instructors for this year.
Nikki Hoskins, MDiv will be teaching our Introduction to Ethics course. Her research explores black women’s eco-religious activism, particularly in urban environments. She recently received a doctoral fellowship from the Forum for Theological Exploration as she completes her PhD in Christian Social Ethics at Drew University. Hoskins earned a BA in religious studies from Spelman College and a MDiv from Harvard Divinity School. She was awarded the Maxine Clarke Beach Leadership Prize for the Outstanding Student-Teacher, which celebrates a PhD student who has demonstrated exceptional ability, dedication and promise as a teacher. Nikki is steeped in the United Methodist tradition and credits PSR alum Traci West as a key influence in her academic work. She serves as the managing editor for Feminist Studies in Religion.
Dr. Jared Maddox will be teaching this year’s United Methodist courses: United Method History/Doctrine/Polity I & II. Jared completed his PhD in Religious Studies from Southern Methodist University and his MDiv at Duke Divinity School. Jared has extensive teaching experience, including courses offered through the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church and Perkins School of Theology. He serves as the Senior Pastor at St. Helens First United Methodist Church, St. Helens, Oregon.
We are grateful for Jared’s partnership in teaching these course as relaunch our search for a new settled faculty member in United Methodist Studies and Leadership, which had to be postponed due to COVID-19.