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.
Elections are held each year for open board positions. In the fall of 2025, AAR membership will be voting to elect new board members (Vice President, At-Large Director, and Student Director) whose terms will begin at the close of the 2025 November Annual Meeting. Now is the time to nominate members who could become candidates in the 2025 election for the AAR Board of Directors.
The call for 2025 AAR Board of Directors nominations is open through January 31, 2025. Not all board positions are open for election each year. This year, AAR members may nominate candidates for Vice President, At-Large Director (Finance), and Student Director. The members elected in fall 2025 will guide the AAR into fulfilling its mission for the future.
AAR President Leela Prasad emphasizes the importance of holding a board position: “The AAR thrives because of the scholarship, diversity, and advocacy of its members. By serving in leadership roles at the AAR, you get to shape the directions of our guild, build a scholarly and social community for yourself and for others, and pursue exciting opportunities for growth. Most urgent today, you get to create and lead the conversation on why the study of religion in and outside the academy remains indispensable. It has been an enriching experience for me personally to serve the AAR, and I encourage you to bring your expertise and energy to the AAR’s leadership teams.”
Board positions open for election differ each year. Board members whose terms will end in November 2025 are: President Leela Prasad, At-Large Director Keri Day, and Student Director Ristina Gooden. Presidential line board members will move into new roles after a year of service; President-elect Laurel C. Schneider will become President and Vice President Angela D. Sims will become President-elect. Current board members continuing after November 2025 include Secretary Kathleen Sands, Treasurer Nikia Robert, At-Large Director Darla Schumm, Contingent Faculty Director Patrick Reyes, Program Unit Director Ann Gleig, Regions Director Matthew Vaughan, and Status Committee Director Heather White.
AAR members can self-nominate or nominate someone else using the AAR Volunteer Leadership Nominations Portal.
All nominations must be received by Monday, January 31, 2025 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.
“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,” says Executive Director Claudia Schippert.