Gavin Richardson

Dr. Gavin Richardson is the University Professor of English at Union University, specializing in classical and medieval literature. He earned his B.A. from Vanderbilt University and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. His research focuses on late Roman imperial coinage, medieval literary traditions, and the intersection of classical studies with modern political analysis. Dr. Richardson has presented at conferences such as the International Congress of Medieval Studies and has published works exploring topics like Constantine's coinage and C.S. Lewis's Screwtape Letters within medieval letter traditions.

Education: Ph.D. and M.A. in English from the University of Illinois; B.A. in English and Classics from Vanderbilt University.

Research Interests: Medieval literature, classical studies, numismatics, and the application of ancient textual traditions to modern contexts. Current projects include studies on Roman coinage symbolism and late antique history.

Awards and Grants: Recipient of the Newell Innovative Teaching Award (twice), Union University's Faculty of the Year (2012), and a 2023 Lilly Foundation grant for senior faculty mentoring programs. He currently serves on the UU SASCOC Reaffirmation Executive Committee.

Publications: Authored chapters in volumes such as The Other Journal: Authority (2021) and Faces of Charisma: Image, Text, Object in Byzantium and the Medieval West (2018). Recent presentations include analyses of medieval letter traditions and Roman denarius symbolism in biblical contexts.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with historians and numismatists on interdisciplinary projects examining ancient coinage. Engaged in mentoring initiatives for senior faculty through his Lilly Foundation grant.