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Stephanie Mitchem
Department of Religious Studies at the University of South Carolina and Director of African American Studies Program. She has an extensive academic background in theology, ethics, ethnography, and American history. She is a member of several esteemed organizations, including the American Academy of Religion, the American Association of Anthropology, and the Society for the Study of Black Religion. She has been teaching graduate and undergraduate courses such as African American Religious Experience, African American Feminist Studies, Religions of the African Diaspora, Religion and Healing, and Feminist Theory.

Stephanie Y. Mitchem is Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at the University of South Carolina and Director of African American Studies Program. She has an extensive academic background in theology, ethics, ethnography, and American history. She is a member of several esteemed organizations, including the American Academy of Religion, the American Association of Anthropology, and the Society for the Study of Black Religion. She has been teaching graduate and undergraduate courses such as African American Religious Experience, African American Feminist Studies, Religions of the African Diaspora, Religion and Healing, and Feminist Theory.

Life
Stephanie Y. Mitchem is a professor at the University of South Carolina in both the Department of Religious Studies and the Women's Studies Program. She began her role as the Chair of the Department of Religious Studies in July 2009. She also started as the Director of African American Studies Program in July 2008, and she was promoted to professor in June 2008. She teaches courses on topics such as African American religious experience, African American feminist studies, religions of the African Diaspora, religion and healing, and feminist theory. Mitchem completed her Doctor of Philosophy in 1998 at the Northwestern University - Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary Joint Program, where she focused on theology, ethics, ethnography, and American history. She earned her Master of Theological Studies, magna cum laude, at St. John Provincial Seminary in 1989, and her Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies, magna cum laude, at Sacred Heart Seminary College in 1985. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Religion, the American Association of Anthropology, and the Society for the Study of Black Religion. Her academic focus areas include contemporary religious thought, with emphasis on womanist and liberation thought; Women in the African Diaspora; postcolonialism, class, and African American religious thought.

Research
Stephanie Y. Mitchem's work primarily focuses on contemporary religious thought, specifically in the context of womanist and liberation thinking. She is particularly interested in exploring the roles and experiences of women in the African Diaspora. Additionally, Mitchem examines issues surrounding postcolonialism, class, and African American religious thought. One of Mitchem's key contributions to her field is her work on the Society for the Study of Black Religion program committee, where she served from 2007 to 2008. Her academic involvement extends to teaching, as she has been a visiting professor at the Instituto de Educação Teológica da Bahia since July 2006 and at the Institute for Black Catholic Studies, Xavier University, in July 2004. Furthermore, Mitchem actively participates in academic discussion as a member of the Committee on the Status of Women in the Profession at the American Academy of Religion (2005-2007), as well as part of the Religions, Medicines, and Healings section committee, which she joined in 2005. She also contributes to scholarship as an editorial board member of the Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion since November 2004.

Influence
Stephanie Mitchem is recognized for her contributions to interdisciplinary studies and religious scholarship, especially in the area of African American feminist and womanist theology, anthropology, history, and post-colonial thought. Her body of work demonstrates a significant emphasis on social issues and liberation theology. She has greatly impacted the field of religious studies through her journey from being the first woman graduate from Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit, to currently serving as a full professor at the University of South Carolina. Her work has been integral in transforming the Department of Religious Studies at the University into one that fosters a multidisciplinary culture, incorporating cross-cultural perspectives and a critical analysis of religious lives. As the author of four books, an edited volume, and numerous articles, Mitchem's work in the field of religious studies is far-reaching. For instance, she was chosen as the subject of a historical essay due to her contributions in revealing new truths about the history of bias against women academics in religion. Her work is characterized by an anti-racist and justice-oriented approach, tied to her personal story, which resonates for many in the field. Mitchem's position on the committees of various academic and professional bodies, including the American Academy of Religion, as well as her experience as a keynote speaker and guest lecturer also contribute to her influence in the field of religious studies. Her work has been positively discussed and reviewed, with colleagues and peers notably appreciating her efforts in combatting racism, social injustices, and biases, and promoting the significance of examining religious lives from diverse perspectives.