Sherri Franks Johnson

Sherri Franks Johnson is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at Louisiana State University's College of Humanities & Social Sciences. Her academic focus spans medieval and early modern European history, with specialization in women's religious experiences and monastic institutions. She maintains office hours at 237B Himes Hall and can be contacted via sfj@lsu.edu.

Education:
Dr. Johnson earned her BA from Louisiana State University (1992), followed by MA (1997) and PhD (2004) degrees from the University of Arizona, establishing a strong foundation in historical research methodologies.

Research Focus:
Her scholarship centers on three interconnected domains: the dynamics of women's monasticism in medieval Europe, evolving Marian veneration practices in late medieval/early modern Italy, and reform movements within late medieval monastic orders. These interests intersect with broader themes of gender, religious authority, and institutional transformation across premodern societies.

Publication Trends:
Johnson's articles consistently explore the intersection of gender, power structures, and religious communities in medieval Italy, particularly Bologna. Her work demonstrates methodological sophistication in analyzing institutional archives to reveal female agency within patriarchal religious systems.

Awards and Recognition:

• LSU ORED Faculty Travel Grant (2018)
• LSU HSS Manship Summer Stipend (2016)
• LSU Council on Research Summer Stipend (2015)
• UC Riverside Center for Ideas Fellowship (2008)
• University of Arizona Research Grant (1999)

Academic Leadership:
She mentors graduate students in medieval/early modern European history, women's studies, and religious history. Her externally funded research includes residential fellowships and university grants supporting archival work in Italy, demonstrating sustained scholarly productivity.