A. Gardner Harris

A. Gardner Harris serves as Associate Professor of Religion at Hampden-Sydney College, specializing in medieval Hindu traditions of South India with emphasis on Tamil devotional literature and philosophical thought.

His academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Asian Cultures and Languages from University of Texas at Austin (2008)
• M.A. in Asian Cultures and Languages from University of Texas at Austin (2001)
• B.A. in Philosophy from Texas Christian University (1996)

Dr. Harris' research centers on the evolution of the Tamil concept 'aruḷ' (divine grace) across four literary genres spanning 100 BCE to 1400 CE. His current monograph examines how this term transformed from secular contexts into the cornerstone of Tamil Śaiva theology, focusing particularly on tenth-century poet-saint hymns still used in contemporary worship.

Scientific recognition:

• Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad grant (2003-2004) for fieldwork in Tamil Nadu, India

He maintains active research in South Asian religious traditions through textual analysis and historical contextualization, though no current grants or student advisement details are specified in available records.