image of Amy Defibaugh in glasses wearing a black blouse and cardigan

Amy Defibaugh (she/her) has joined the American Academy of Religion as director of programs and meetings. She is now handling the programming aspects of AAR's Annual Meeting, virtual meeting programming as decided upon for the future, and directing AAR's publications.

She holds a PhD in religion from Temple University with a research focus on death and dying studies. While completing her dissertation, Amy was the associate director of academic affairs for Temple's College of Liberal Arts during which she created small and large-scale events and programs. After completing her degree, she took on the role of director of graduate affairs, overseeing 14 PhD and 22 master's programs across the humanities and social sciences. Amy became a member of the AAR as a graduate student over 10 years ago and has since served as a co-chair of the Death, Dying and Beyond program unit and chair of the Applied Religious Studies Committee. With event planning, administrative, and academic experience, she brings a wide range of skills and knowledges to the role of director of programs and meetings. Amy is an advocate and champion of higher education (graduate education in particular), career diversity, engaged scholarship and promoting the public understanding of religion. Amy lives in Maine with her partner, daughter, and two dogs.

Amy Defibaugh (she/her) has joined the American Academy of Religion as director of programs and meetings. She is now handling the programming aspects of AAR's Annual Meeting, virtual meeting programming as decided upon for the future, and directing AAR's publications.

She holds a PhD in religion from Temple University with a research focus on death and dying studies. While completing her dissertation, Amy was the associate director of academic affairs for Temple's College of Liberal Arts during which she created small and large-scale events and programs. After completing her degree, she took on the role of director of graduate affairs, overseeing 14 PhD and 22 master's programs across the humanities and social sciences. Amy became a member of the AAR as a graduate student over 10 years ago and has since served as a co-chair of the Death, Dying and Beyond program unit and chair of the Applied Religious Studies Committee. With event planning, administrative, and academic experience, she brings a wide range of skills and knowledges to the role of director of programs and meetings. Amy is an advocate and champion of higher education (graduate education in particular), career diversity, engaged scholarship and promoting the public understanding of religion. Amy lives in Maine with her partner, daughter, and two dogs.