Biography
Rebecca Rhodes Blackburn is a PhD student in Biblical Hermeneutics at Chicago Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL. Her research centers contemporary hermeneutical strategies in biblical studies, including womanist, queer, mujerista, and feminist approaches. Rebecca cultivates tools for self-critical engagement of the biblical text in historically centered Christian communities. In addition to her research, she is involved in various projects related to interreligious dialogue and cooperation. She currently serves as a fellow for the Tri-Faith Initiative’s inaugural Emerging Clergy Seminar. Before her PhD work, Rebecca worked in higher education promoting student success and community thriving. She has experience teaching at the undergraduate and graduate level. Her previous degrees are in social work (bachelor's) and spiritual formation and leadership (master’s); these work together to keep Rebecca attuned to strategies that support the material, social, and spiritual conditions of the communities to which she belongs.
Candidate Statement
Much of my professional work has been centered on empowering students to achieve their aspirations and advocating for conditions that help them thrive. I have coached individual students, coming alongside them in their unique struggles, goals, and learning pathways. I have led programs that strategically support student networks and wellness. I have helped implement policies and practices that manifest inclusive and proactive care. This strategic and relational work of empowerment and advocacy is exactly the work I would continue to do as Student Director for the American Academy of Religion.
The student constituency of the AAR is large, diverse, and full of talented, ambitious people. Many students have a keen perspective on how we can all better live into the mission of this organization, to foster excellence in the academic study of religion and enhance the public understanding of religion. I see the role of Student Director and chair of the Graduate Student Committee not as implementing a top-down vision, but as a liaison for and convener of the highly skilled and visionary students who comprise our membership.
I became a member of AAR when I started doctoral work in the fall of 2020. My first experience of Annual Meeting was over Zoom as I sat at the dining table. The next year I served as one of the many technical assistants who supported an exciting array of sessions online. In March of this year, I had the privilege of attending the Midwest AAR gathering, connecting with other graduate students doing incredible research. Even in a small cross-section of space and time like a Zoom session or regional conference, there can be real synergy when students come together to present fresh ideas, ask for help, share resources, and generate strategies for thriving. I see opportunities to exponentially advance forums for this kind of synergy. This can involve both virtual and located gatherings, as well as asynchronous and multi-modal methods. Working together, I hope student members and the Graduate Student Committee can devise increased opportunities for student members to contribute existing skills and practice new ones within the AAR community. As AAR’s partner organization, Beyond the Professoriate, often emphasizes, employers are looking for evidence of skills used effectively. We can multiply opportunities for student members to use their skills in service to one another and to the organization.
In a time when our social structures are unraveling and transforming all around us, we need to draw on our collective creativity and wisdom to reimagine how to help each other live well as scholars and professionals. This requires deep attention to the intersections of our neurodiversity, racial and ethnic diversity, religious and spiritual lifestances, gender identities and sexualities, disabilities and temporary abilities, class and economic positioning, and more. From this respect and care for our lived experiences, we can help shape our guild into the community we need as we face uncertain futures together.