Margo Kitts

Margo Kitts is a Professor in the Department of History, Humanities, and International Studies within the College of Liberal Arts at Hawaii Pacific University (HPU). She holds a PhD from the joint doctoral program in ancient Near Eastern religions at UC Berkeley and the Graduate Theological Union, where she specialized in Hittite ritual and the Homeric poems. At HPU, she coordinates the religious studies and east-west classical studies programs, contributing significantly to interdisciplinary humanities education.

Her research centers on the intersection of religion and violence, with deep expertise in ancient Near Eastern traditions, Homeric literature, and comparative ritual practices. She explores themes such as martyrdom, self-sacrifice, and the symbolic dimensions of violence across religious contexts. Her work bridges classical studies, religious studies, and cultural anthropology, emphasizing cross-cultural and historical analysis.

Margo Kitts is a prolific scholar, having authored or edited seven books and approximately thirty articles. She co-edits the Elements of Religion and Violence book series for Cambridge University Press and serves as the editor of the Journal of Religion and Violence, shaping scholarly discourse in this specialized field. Her editorial leadership with Oxford and Cambridge University Press underscores her academic influence and commitment to advancing research on religion and conflict.

She has been instrumental in developing academic programs at HPU, particularly in religious studies and classical studies, fostering a curriculum that integrates Eastern and Western traditions. While no specific grants or advising roles are mentioned, her editorial and program coordination roles suggest strong leadership and mentorship within her academic community.