Verna Marina Ehret

Dr. Verna Marina Ehret serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy at Mercyhurst University, while also directing the Evelyn Lincoln Institute for Ethics and Society (ELIES).

Her research centers on philosophical and constructive theology, with deep engagement in narrative theology, religious change, and ethics. She explores intersections between religious understanding and societal transformation, emphasizing environmental ethics, social justice, emerging technologies, and global ethical challenges through both scholarly work and community initiatives.

Recent publications analyze narrative frameworks in theological discourse and embodied pedagogical approaches, particularly examining Paul Ricoeur's contributions to identity formation and ethical development in educational contexts.

Dr. Ehret actively mentors students through Mercyhurst's Exploratory Studies program for first- and second-year undergraduates, while leading ELIES' annual faculty development series on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. She organizes 4-6 ethics-focused lectures and panels annually for the university and Erie community.

Through ELIES, she coordinates ethics programming addressing contemporary societal challenges, including technology ethics, environmental stewardship, and social justice initiatives, fostering community-wide dialogue on pressing moral issues.