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a funded year-long fellowship of scholarly inquiry, public engagement, and collaborative formation for emerging scholars in the field of (Inter)religious Studies
📢 NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2026-2027 COHORT
📢 NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2026-2027 COHORT
Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
in partnership with
in partnership with
ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP
The Jay Phillips Center Scholars in Interreligious Studies program brings together a small group of exceptional emerging scholars each year for mentorship, scholarly development, public engagement, and field-building. Fellows work closely with distinguished Senior Scholars-in-Residence, and become part of a multi-generational network shaping the future of Interreligious Studies.
Scholars selected for this fellowship receive:
$2,000 unrestricted stipend to support AAR participation, research needs, or personal expenses
Fully funded 4-day residency at the University of St. Thomas
Year-long mentorship from Cooper Minister & Kevin Minister
Opportunity to share research at AAR/AIIS, with venues identified in collaboration with AIIS
Opportunity to present to public and academic audiences during the UST residency
Professional designation: “Jay Phillips Center Scholar in Interreligious Studies (2026–2027)”
Peer cohort community and a lasting scholarly network
Development of pedagogical, peer-coaching, public scholarship, and collaborative academic skills
Manuscript mentorship with the Journal of Interreligious Studies toward peer-reviewed publication
This program is offered in collaboration with the Association for Interreligious/Interfaith Studies (AIIS).
2026–2027 SENIOR SCHOLARS-IN-RESIDENCE
2026–2027 SENIOR SCHOLARS-IN-RESIDENCE
M. Cooper Minister, Ph.D.
M. Cooper Minister, Ph.D.
Kevin Minister, Ph.D.
Kevin Minister, Ph.D.
Dr. M. Cooper Minister & Dr. Kevin Minister
Dr. M. Cooper Minister & Dr. Kevin Minister
Scholars, educators, and facilitators recognized for their innovative contributions to (Inter)religious Studies, pedagogy, gender and disability studies, religion and ecology, and public scholarship. Drs. Cooper and Kevin Minister bring a relational, reflective, and community-centered mentoring approach to the cohort, grounded in years of experience designing dialogue-based learning communities and supporting emerging scholars. As Senior Scholars-in-Residence, they will lead seminars, provide individualized mentorship, and guide fellows in shaping their research, public engagement plans, and professional trajectories within the growing field of Interreligious Studies.
KEY DATES FOR 2026-2027 COHORT
KEY DATES FOR 2026-2027 COHORT
Application Release: January 15, 2026
Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
Notification of Selection: May 15, 2026
Program Begins: September 2026
AAR/AIIS Gathering: November 21–24, 2026 (Denver, CO)
University of St. Thomas Residency: March 15-18, 2027
Program Leadership
Program Leadership
This program is led by Dr. Hans Gustafson, Director of the Jay Phillips Center for Interreligious Studies and a scholar in the field. Dr. Gustafson is actively involved in all components of the fellowship, including cohort selection, seminars, mentoring conversations, professional development sessions, and the annual AIIS/AAR gathering.
Fellows work closely with Dr. Gustafson throughout the fellowship year—engaging with him in regular conversations on scholarly development, public engagement, and preparation for the annual AIIS/AAR gathering—alongside dedicated mentorship from the Senior Scholars-in-Residence.
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