Scholar-in-Residence Brings Academic Journey to Episcopal

The Ben Geer Keys Scholar in Residence Program — established in 1998 by an anonymous donor — brings talented scholars and artists to The High School to work with and live among students for several days.
On January 10th, the EHS community welcomed Professor Cindy Hoehler-Fatton to campus as this year’s Scholar-in-Residence. The Ben Geer Keys Scholar-in-Residence Program — established in 1998 by an anonymous donor — brings talented scholars and artists to The High School to work with and live among students for several days.

Professor Hoehler-Fatton earned her B.A. from Bowdoin College and her M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Virginia, where she is currently a professor in the Department of Religious Studies. Professor Hoehler-Fatton’s teaching and scholarship concentrate on the intersections between African indigenous religions and Christianity and Islam.

In her biography on UVa’s website she says, “I am fascinated by religious change, and my research — whether it be on gender in East African independent churches, the revitalization of “ATR” (African Traditional Religion) in post-apartheid South Africa, or my current work on the introduction of Islam into Western Kenya — reflects my ongoing interest in the dynamism of religion.”

For four days Hoehler-Fatton shared her expertise, insights, and experience with the community. “The story of Professor Hoehler-Fatton’s academic journey was so instructive for our students,” said Mary Fielder, Assistant Head for Academics. “She shared with them how, almost on a whim, she decided to take advantage of one of the study abroad programs offered by her college — one that involved studying in Western Africa. Participating in this program was life changing, as she developed a passion for studying African religious experiences and history.”

Professor Hoehler-Fatton participated in several classes in several departments — philosophy, english, religion, and french — reflective of her commitment to and passion for interdisciplinary study. “Dr. Hoehler-Fatton’s expertise comes from synthesizing information from history, anthropology, theology, visual arts and sociology,” said Mrs. Fielder.

Professor Hoehler-Fatton also led art teacher Liz Vorlicek and her students on a Washington Program trip to the National Museum of African Art, where she guided them through a lesson on the symbolic significance of African ritual masks and statues.

Jared Young ’17, who attended the excursion, said, “Ms. Hoehler-Fatton's immense knowledge of African culture, history, and religion, allowed us all to see the true depths of how important the art in the museum is, especially in the commemoration of the evolution of African society, from the prehistoric era to the modern day. From Nigeria to Kenya, and everywhere in between, Professor Hoehler-Fatton possesses the unique and amazing ability to contextualize art from almost every pocket of Africa. Needless to say, I left the WPE excursion much more informed and inspired by the art than I ever could have previously imagined, all thanks to Professor Hoehler-Fatton.”
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