June 10, 2026 (Louisville, KY) — Louisville Institute is pleased to announce the award of eight fellowships through its Postdoctoral Fellowship program for 2026–2028. The fellowships, totaling $1,200,000 and funded through the generous support of Lilly Endowment Inc., will support early-career theological educators in completing a two-year vocational formation experience at graduate theological schools, colleges, universities, and research organizations across the United States and Canada.

The Louisville Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship provides early career theological educators with vocational and professional formation through a two-year placement as a visiting assistant professor. As part of the Louisville Institute’s Vocation of the Theological Educator (VTE) Initiative, fellows engage in intentional, focused, professional formation and teaching as they explore a calling to be a theological educator for future pastoral leaders.

Applicants are typically recent doctoral graduates studying Christian faith and life, the practice of ministry, religious trends and movements, Christian and other faith-based institutions, and religion and social issues in the United States and Canada. Selected through a competitive, multi-stage review process conducted by an independent selection committee, this year’s eight fellows represent a wide range of disciplines and theological traditions.

“The Postdoctoral Fellowship has long been rooted in a conviction that the church and academy are both strengthened when gifted early-career scholars are given space to develop as teacher-scholars and theological educators,” said Rev. Dr. Vanessa Lovelace, Executive Director of the Louisville Institute. “These eight fellows bring remarkable depth of scholarship and genuine commitment to theological education. We are honored to walk alongside them as they begin this formative journey.”

“I am excited to welcome and support this new cohort,” commented Casey Smith, Grant Program Manager. “These scholars are emerging leaders in theological education during a time of profound change and uncertainty. Their work addresses critical questions facing the church and academy, and we are honored to support them as they move into the next stage of their vocations and cultivate the wisdom, courage, and imagination needed for our common future.”

Postdoctoral Fellows are required to participate in VTE Gatherings held in October 2026; January, May, and October 2027; and January and May 2028 — convenings where fellows from multiple Louisville Institute programs share their work and engage in substantive scholarly and vocational exchange. Approved travel and lodging expenses for participants are covered by the Louisville Institute.

2026–2028 Postdoctoral Fellowship Recipients