Lisa Weaver-Swartz

Lisa Weaver-Swartz serves as Associate Professor of Sociology and director of the sociology program at Asbury University, a position she has held since joining the institution in 2019. Her teaching portfolio encompasses foundational courses like Introduction to Sociology and specialized upper-division classes including Sociology of Religion, Gender and Society, and Sociology Capstone, where she actively mentors students and contributes to academic events such as the SEARCH scholarship competition.

Her academic credentials feature a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Notre Dame, earned through affiliation with the Center for the Study of Religion and Society.

• Ph.D. in Sociology, University of Notre Dame

Dr. Weaver-Swartz's research program investigates the complex relationships between religious practice and cultural formation, with particular attention to gender dynamics in evangelical communities. She utilizes innovative qualitative and photographic methodologies to examine how global cultural flows interact with local religious expressions. Current projects extend this inquiry into faith-based anti-trafficking networks in Southeast Asia and the sociological implications of religious revivals, as evidenced by her ongoing study of Asbury University's 2023 spiritual awakening.

Her publication record centers on her monograph Stained Glass Ceilings: How Evangelicals Do Gender and Practice Power (Rutgers University Press, 2023), which established her reputation in the field of religion and gender studies. This body of work consistently addresses intersections of power, identity, and belief systems within contemporary religious movements.

The significance of her scholarship has been recognized through:

• Book of the Year award from New Testament Scholar Scot McKnight (2023)

Beyond publication, Dr. Weaver-Swartz secures external funding for her research initiatives, currently directing a grant-supported investigation of anti-human trafficking efforts. She maintains active mentorship of undergraduate researchers and regularly serves on academic committees that shape the sociology curriculum and student scholarship opportunities.