The School of Theology is pleased to announce that Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. Hannah Matis has been elected president of the Anglican Theological Review (ATR). Matis succeeds Dean of the School of Theology the Very Rev. Dr. James F. Turrell, who served two terms as ATR president and shaped the trajectory and future of the journal. Dr. Matis brings to the presidency a deep scholarly background and substantial experience in academic leadership.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Matis into this leadership role,” said Director of Operations Christopher R. Smith. “Her scholarly insight, administrative skill, and deep commitment to theological education make her exceptionally well-suited to guide the ATR into its next chapter.”
Matis has taught widely across the field of church history, including the history of spirituality, Anglicanism, the Episcopal Church, and the experience of women in Christianity. Her most recent book, The History of Women in Christianity to 1600 (Wiley-Blackwell, 2022), reflects years of teaching and was designed as a resource for both seminarians and lay readers. Her research focuses on early medieval biblical interpretation and the church in late antiquity and the early Middle Ages. Dr. Matis is a graduate of the Medieval Institute at the University of Notre Dame and the University of Durham (UK).
“As many of you know, I am honored to be following on from the two terms of my predecessor, Dean of the School of Theology James Turrell, and building on the strong connection he established between the ATR and the School of Theology at Sewanee,” said Matis.
“As the newly appointed president of the Anglican Theological Review, Inc., I want to express a deep sense of gratitude and respect for the extraordinary leadership of our outgoing president, the Very Rev. James F. Turrell,” Matis remarked.
During his two terms as president, Turrell played a pivotal role in advancing the mission and long-term viability of ATR. In 2019, he led efforts to secure a new institutional home for the journal at the School of Theology in Sewanee, Tennessee—a strategic move that strengthened administrative support and positioned ATR for continued growth. His leadership was also central to establishing a successful publishing partnership with SAGE Publications, Ltd., a collaboration that has expanded the journal’s reach and visibility.
Turrell’s steady and wise stewardship guided the ATR through a period of financial challenge. His advocacy, foresight, and commitment to strategic planning ensured the journal’s fiscal stability and paved the way for a capital campaign that will support ATR for generations to come.
Beyond these organizational achievements, Turrell remained steadfast in upholding the intellectual rigor and scholarly excellence that define the Anglican Theological Review. His dedication to thoughtful theological discourse has preserved ATR’s vital place within the Anglican Communion and the wider academic community.
“On behalf of the board, the editorial team, and all those who have benefited from the journal’s work, I extend our deepest gratitude to Jim for his invaluable contributions. His leadership will remain an enduring part of the ATR’s prominent history,” Matis said.
When asked about the future Matis shared, “2026 looks to be an exciting year for the journal, and you will hear more from us in the coming months about developments here. For now, I recommend to you the current fall 2025 issue of ATR, and the wonderful work of its editors and contributors.”
“As a medieval historian, I am particularly moved by our opening essay from a professional hero of mine, the great Caroline Walker Bynum, in her essay with the ATR engaging the work of Julian of Norwich and Annie Dillard. There is no better time of year to consider the themes of "Embodiment and Sacrament in Christian Thought."
Learn more about the Anglican Theological Review here.
