Laura Hobgood

Laura Hobgood serves as Professor of Religion and Environmental Studies at Southwestern University, where she co-chairs the Environmental Studies program and previously chaired the Religion program. Holding the distinguished Elizabeth Root Paden Chair, she is a nationally recognized scholar whose work bridges theology, ecology, and animal studies through interdisciplinary leadership including coordination of the 2018-2019 Brown Symposium on 'The Anthropocene'.

Her academic foundation includes a Ph.D. from Saint Louis University (1997), M.Div. from Vanderbilt University (1989), and B.A. from James Madison University (1985). These credentials underpin her innovative approach to religious scholarship.

Hobgood pioneers the study of animals within religious traditions, examining human-dog history, ecofeminism, and religious-ethical frameworks for animal treatment. Her research uniquely explores alternative spiritual practices like cycling as embodied religion, demonstrating how physical movement creates ecological consciousness. This work challenges anthropocentric religious paradigms while advocating for compassionate animal ethics grounded in theological traditions.

Current publications reveal accelerating scholarly interest in animal studies within religious contexts, with 2024 works examining pet blessings across Jewish and Christian traditions and systemic analyses of animals in North American religious thought. These contributions establish foundational frameworks for emerging interdisciplinary fields.

• Mundy Service Award
• William Carrington Finch Award (2008)
• American Academy of Religion Research Grant
• Sam Taylor Fellowship
• Elizabeth Root Paden Chair in Religion and Environmental Studies

Hobgood directs major academic initiatives including Southwestern's Brown Symposium while securing research funding through AAR grants. Her leadership extends to national organizations as former President of the International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture and founding co-chair of the AAR Animals and Religion Consultation. She actively mentors through program coordination rather than formal student advising.

Her scholarly ecosystem integrates the Animals and Religion Consultation, Forum on Religion and Ecology, and American Society of Environmental History, creating collaborative networks that advance environmental humanities. Current projects include documentary filmmaking on women's religious leadership and continued exploration of cycling as embodied spiritual practice.