Seth Emmanuel Gaiters

Seth Emmanuel Gaiters is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at North Carolina State University, with a secondary affiliation in the Africana Studies Program. His research focuses on African American religious thought, political theology, race, and critical theory, particularly through the lens of Black progressive social movements like #BlackLivesMatter. He is completing a book manuscript exploring the intersection of religion, spirituality, and social justice in contemporary Black political organizing.

Education:

• Ph.D., The Ohio State University
• Th.M., Fuller Theological Seminary
• M.Div., Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University
• B.A., The Ohio State University

Research Interests: Gaiters examines how Black religious traditions and spirituality inform social justice movements, challenging conventional notions of religiosity. His work bridges African American literature, political theology, and critical theory to analyze the role of the sacred in public activism. He seeks to reimagine the relationship between faith and societal transformation through interdisciplinary frameworks.

Awards & Fellowships:

• Ford Foundation Fellowship
• Louisville Institute Fellowship
• Forum for Theological Exploration Fellowship
• Social Science Research Council Fellowship
• Wabash Center Fellowship
• Public Religion Research Institute Fellowship

Teaching & Engagement: Gaiters designs courses that encourage students to critically engage with religion, race, politics, and culture. His pedagogy emphasizes free thinking and reimagining societal structures through academic study and reflection. He is affiliated with the Interdisciplinary Studies Faculty in Africana Studies and the Religious Studies Faculty within his department.