UVU's Religious Studies Program advances an interdisciplinary approach to the academic
study of religion. Given its role in the human experience, religion requires careful study utilizing methods and practices employed in the study
of other social institutions. This includes the examination of the history, theology,
literature, folklore, etc. of various religions in an effort to study religion as
a cultural phenomenon. The program is intended to explore religious beliefs and practices
in a spirit of open inquiry, and to create an environment in which challening questions
can be engaged from a variety of perspectives and methodologies.
Brian Birch
Director
Brian Birch is Director of the Religious Studies Program and Center for the Study of Ethics. He specializes in philosophy of religion and ethics.
Kim Abunawara
Philosophy & Humanities
Kim Abunwara is an Associate Professor of Integrated Studies and Director of the Humanities Profgram at Utah Valley University
Thomas Bretz
Philosophy & Humanities
Thomas H. Bretz is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Philosophy and the Environmental Ethics Fellow at the Center for the Study of Ethics
Matt Draper
Behavioral Sciences
Matt Draper serves as Director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Utah Valley University.
John Dulin
Behavioral Sciences
John Dulin is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology focusing on religion, ethnographic methods, and contemporary theory.
Michael Goode
Behavioral Sciences
Michael Goode is a historian of early American and Atlantic World history. His interests include religion, political culture, and abolition.
Ryan Harte
Philosophy & Humanities
Ryan Harte is an Associate Professor of Philosophy focusing on Chinese, Greek, and literary philosophy.
John Hunt
History & Political Science
Brian D. Birch is an Assistant Professor of History & Political Science. His research focuses on Mediterranean social and cultural history.
Greg Jackson
Integrated Studies
Greg Jackson is the Chair of Integrated Studies and Deputy Director of National Security Studies. He's the host of "History that Doesn't Suck".
David Knowlton
Behavioral Sciences
David Knowlton is a Professor of Anthropology. His interests include life in Utah, the American Southwest and international Mormonism.
Boyd Peterson
English & Literature
Boyd Peterson the Program Coordinator for Mormon Studies. His research emphases are Romanticism and religious literature.
Kelli Potter
Philosophy & Humanities
Kelli Potter is an Associate Professor of Philosophy where she specializes in philosophy of religion, logic, and the Vienna Circle.
David Scott
Communication
David Scott is a Professor of Communication specializing in the intersection of religion, media, and popular culture.
Deb Thornton
English & Literature
Deb Thornton is a Professor of English Literature focusing on topics including literature of the sacred and 19th century American literature.
Ken White
Philosophy & Humanities
Ken White is a Lecturer of Philosophy whee he teaches courses in Western and Eastern religions as well as East Asian Buddhist philosophy.