Faculty highlights: Scholarship and creativity in action

Oglethorpe University faculty continue to shape conversations far beyond campus—through books, articles, conferences, media appearances, and creative productions. Through each of these, and more, the faculty’s work represents the intellectual curiosity and public engagement at the heart of an Oglethorpe education.

Jeffrey Collins, Ph.D. has published his 14th book, “Psalms in an Evolving Cosmos,” a collection of poems and prayers that celebrate the beauty of the cosmos and the continuous evolution of all things. Collins is also preparing to release his 15th book, “The Refractive Universe,” slated for publication in April—continuing a prolific career that bridges faith, science, and poetic reflection.

Joel Elliott, Ph.D. Core adjunct instructor, recently published the article Creating Cognitive Dissonance Apocalyptic Narratives: Cautions and Opportunities in the peer‑reviewed journal “Dynamics of Asymmetric Conflict.” His writing examines how state actors can strategically disrupt violent apocalyptic movements by leveraging failed prophecy, drawing on case studies including the Branch Davidians, ISIS, QAnon, and The Seekers.

Bill Shillito, Ph.D. collaborated with colleagues on the journal article Humanizing Defining in Mathematics with Sandwiches,” published through Taylor & Francis Online.

Robert Hornback, Ph.D. presented Notes toward Finding Will Kemp: Recovering Lost Stories of a Maligned Clown in Records and Repertory at the Shakespeare Association of America’s 54th annual conference in Denver. The seminar marked the 50th anniversary of “Records of Early English Drama.” Hornback is also writing a book review of “Thomas Nashe and Literary Performance” (Manchester University Press, 2025) for “Renaissance Quarterly.

Edward Rosser, Ph.D. has been honored by “Black Doctorates Matter” with a certificate of recognition and will be featured in an upcoming publication. In addition, Rosser’s dissertation has been officially published by the Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library.

Courtney Sridharan, Ph.D. presented Flexibility and Collaboration: Navigating the Institution and Leading from the Center as a New Writing Center Director at the Southeastern Writing Center Association Conference on February 26. Sridharan also co‑presented with Judith Levy, Ph.D. at the Conference on College Composition and Communication in March, sharing Collaboration across Campus: Assessing Multiple Sites of Student Writing Instruction.

Kate Keib, Ph.D., alongside Jess Hunt‑Ralston, presented Teaching Tomorrow’s Communicators Today: Faculty Strategies for AI Integration at the Georgia Communication Association’s annual conference in February. The presentation earned the distinction of the Top Presentation at the 2026 Georgia Communication Association Conference.

Lejla Marijam Ibrahimbegovic, Ph.D. will present We Hold These Truths: Liberty, Equality, and Core Texts at the Association for Core Texts and Courses annual conference, held March 19–22 in Tempe, Arizona.

Joseph Knippenberg, Ph.D. brought his expertise to a wide public audience during a live interview on Atlanta News First’s morning show, and he participated in an “Educational Entrepreneurs Summit” hosted by the Institute for Humane Studies in Atlanta and presented a paper titled The Laws of Nature and Nature’s God in the Declaration at a conference at Christopher Newport University.

Additionally, earlier news stories mentioned Judith Levy, Ph.D., who produced a new scholarly conversation as host of the “Association for Core Texts and Courses” podcast, and Jeremy Bennett, Ph.D., who has been accepted as a fellow for the Governor’s Teaching Fellows May 2026 Symposium.

“Our faculty’s accomplishments reflect the breadth of scholarship, creativity, and engagement that define Oglethorpe,” says Gabriel Barreneche, provost and vice president of academic affairs. “As we continue to focus on strengthening student success, supporting faculty development, and advancing institutional priorities, their work powerfully shapes the academic experience.”

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