Noted scholar, Larry Shinn, formerly the Danforth Professor of Religion, passes away at the age of 83.
In the realm of academia and religious studies, the passing of Larry Shinn, a former professor at Oberlin College, on April 2, 2025, marks a significant loss. Shinn, who was 83 years old at the time of his demise, was a distinguished academic specializing in religion, with notable appointments at Oberlin College, Bucknell University, and Berea College.
Shinn's career, spanning over five decades, was marked by a focus on religious studies where he made significant contributions through teaching, administration, and scholarship. At Oberlin College, Shinn held the prestigious position of Danforth Professor of Religion, reflecting his expertise and leadership in religious academia. While precise accomplishments at Oberlin are not detailed in the available search results, holding such a chair typically indicates a strong focus on research, mentorship, and curricula development in religion.
After his tenure at Oberlin, Shinn served as a professor of religion and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Bucknell University. His deanship at Bucknell would have involved shaping the academic direction and policies of a broad college of liberal arts, indicating strong leadership skills and influence over interdisciplinary academic programs.
In 1994, Shinn became the president of Berea College, a position through which he likely had a profound impact on the institution’s mission and growth. Berea is known for its commitment to providing education to students with limited economic resources, so his presidency likely involved advancing educational access and sustainability.
Throughout his career, Shinn's academic and religious career was marked by expertise and professorship in religion, academic leadership roles, and contributions to higher education administration and religious scholarship, with a focus on nurturing academic communities and advancing institutional missions.
During his time at Oberlin College, Shinn taught courses on the study of religion, Hindu and Buddhist Traditions in India, The Life and Teachings of Gandhi, Psychology and Religion, and Approaches to the Study of Religion. He also served as an interim pastor for several local congregations.
Shinn earned a bachelor's degree at Baldwin-Wallace College, a bachelor of divinity at Drew Theological School, and a doctorate at Princeton University. His academic journey was not just limited to the classroom, as he also travelled throughout the United States in his last two years at Oberlin College, visiting more than a dozen Hare Krishna temples and engaging in participant study, interviewing Hare Krishna devotees.
As we remember Larry Shinn, we honour his dedication to academic excellence, religious scholarship, and community service. A memorial page is available for those who wish to read more about him and leave a remembrance.
[1] It is worth noting that the specifics on his religious focus or particular scholarly contributions are not detailed in the present search results, but his career trajectory shows a blend of teaching, scholarly distinction, and administrative leadership within noted American liberal arts colleges and universities.
- Larry Shinn's distinguished career in academia and religious studies was characterized by a fusion of education and self-development, as evidenced by his focus on teaching, research, and community service at various institutions.
- Shinn's influence extended beyond the confines of religious studies, as his leadership roles in higher education administration and academic communities highlight his commitment to institutional growth and academic excellence.
