New Faculty Spotlight

Margarita Simon Guillory

Department and Title: Associate Professor of Religion

Hometown: Mobile, Alabama

What is your educational background?
Rice University: Ph.D. Religious Studies (2011); University of Saint Thomas: Master of Theological Studies (2005); Texas Southern University: Teacher Certification in Physical Sciences (2001); Emory University: B.A. in Chemistry with a minor in African-American Studies (1995)

What will you be working on this academic year?
I’m currently working on my second book, Africana Religion in the Digital Age, which considers how African Americans utilize digital interactive media, such as the internet, social media, mobile applications, and gaming, to forge new ways to express their religious identities. Also, I’m teaching a new course at the University called “Religion and Hip Hop.” This course offers students the opportunity to examine the variety of ways religion finds expression in the dynamic cultural medium of hip-hop.

What drew you to your field of study?
I’m a second-career academician. After graduating with a degree in chemistry, I taught high school science for almost a decade. However, during my early 30s, I made a decision to pursue an advanced degree in religion. Why? Simply this, I have always been fascinated with how religion functions in the everyday lives of individuals, particularly those living in impoverished communities like that of my childhood neighborhood in Alabama.

What excites you the most about working at CAS? What has been most rewarding?
My appointment began in September. During this brief time, I have had the great fortune of teaching intellectually bright students with diverse backgrounds. Their varying experiences have enriched class discussions about religion in exciting ways.

What are your favorite hobbies?
Traveling with my family, writing poetry, and collecting Black Americana art.

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