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.
The call for 2026 AAR Board of Directors nominations is open through February 2, 2026. Not all board positions are open for election each year. This year, AAR members may nominate candidates for Vice President, Secretary, At-Large Director (Program), Contingent Faculty Director, and Regions Director. The members elected in fall 2026 will guide the AAR into fulfilling its mission for the future.
AAR President Laurel Schneider emphasizes the importance of holding a board position:
“The AAR is entirely member-led, which means that we are truly dependent upon each other’s talents, skills, and advocacy to guide and support our guild and the future of scholarship in religion. Serving on committees and the Board of Directors is a great opportunity to shape directions and help to build the dynamic and ever-changing scholarly and social community that connects and supports us all. Perhaps most importantly, you can create and lead the conversation on why the study of religion in and outside the academy remains indispensable, not only for the humanities but for civic and planetary life. Through my participation on AAR leadership teams, I have been richly rewarded in friendships and laughter, opportunities for initiatives, and key conversations stretching far beyond my own area of work and scholarship. I invite you to join us in this critical time, bringing your own expertise, energy, and perspective to our work together.”
Board members whose terms will end in November 2026 are: President Laurel Schneider, Secretary Kathleen Sands, At-Large Director Darla Schumm, Contingent Faculty Director Patrick Reyes, and Regions Director Matthew Vaughan.
Presidential line board members will move into new roles after a year of service; President-elect Angela D. Sims will become President and Vice President Walid Saleh will become President-elect. Current board members continuing after November 2026 include Treasurer Nikia Robert, At-Large Director Elise Edwards, Program Unit Director Ann Gleig, Status Committee Director Heather White, and Student Director Jacob Barrett.
AAR members can self-nominate or nominate someone else using the AAR Board of Directors Nomination Form. Please note you will need to be logged in as a member in order to access this form.
All nominations must be received by Monday, February 2, 2026 at 6:00 PM Eastern Time and must include the following materials:
- A brief description of why the nominee meets the nomination criteria and what particular skills, perspectives, and interests they would bring to the work of the AAR Board of Directors.
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.
From Executive Director Claudia Schippert:
“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.”