Higher Education Chaplaincy Research and Writing Fellowship

Harvard Divinity School, in collaboration with the Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery Initiative, invites applications from campus chaplains and ministers serving Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for a one-semester, non-residential research and writing fellowship. This fellowship is designed to support and advance the scholarly contributions of religious leaders ministering at HBCUs by providing access to the intellectual and research resources of Harvard Divinity School and Harvard University.

The financial award associated with the fellowship will replace six months of the fellow’s salary at their home institution, to be used to secure a research leave from their regular duties. The successful candidate will use the fellowship to pursue a book-length project that contributes to scholarly and public conversations about religion and religious life, particularly as related to higher education. Projects may engage questions of theology, religious ethics, student spiritual life, religion and the academy, pastoral leadership, community care, or other topics relevant to the study of religion.

Over the course of the fellowship period, fellows will be invited to engage with the Harvard Divinity School community by:

  • Sharing work-in-progress with faculty, students, and staff during a one-week visit to Harvard’s campus
  • Participating in periodic conversations with HDS and Harvard University chaplains and religious and spiritual life leaders
  • Utilizing the collections and research resources of the Harvard Library system.

Apply

Applicants should submit the following materials:

  1. Current Curriculum Vitae
  2. Project description (2 pages maximum) outlining the proposed book project, its significance, and a timetable for completion
  3. One completed chapter from the proposed book project
  4. Two academic letters of recommendation addressing both the candidate's qualifications and the importance of the proposed project
  5. Statement of interest (1 page maximum) describing how engagement with Harvard Divinity School and its resources would contribute to the successful completion of the project.

All application materials must be received by Friday, October 16, 2026.

Applications will be reviewed after the deadline, and applicants will be notified of the committee's decision during the fall semester. Applicants may address questions to academicaffairs@hds.harvard.edu.

Apply

Fellowship Term

The fellowship is non-residential and will run from January 1, 2027, through June 30, 2027. It will include a fully funded, week-long visit to HDS during the spring semester. 

Eligibility

Applicants must currently serve as a chaplain, campus minister, or religious life professional who is actively engaged in a book-length scholarly project. The successful candidate will be expected to be on leave from their position for the duration of the fellowship.