Dr. Rosalind Hackett

Introduction

Dr. Rosalind I. J. Hackett has long been a leading voice in religious studies, especially when it comes to the complex spiritual landscapes of Africa. Over the course of her distinguished academic career, she’s become known for her deep curiosity, intellectual rigor, and commitment to exploring how religion intersects with society, politics, gender, and the arts. Holding titles such as Chancellor’s Professor Emerita at the University of Tennessee and Extraordinary Professor at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa, Dr. Hackett’s influence stretches well beyond the classroom, shaping global conversations around religion and culture.

Area of Expertise

Dr. Hackett brings a unique lens to the study of religion, shaped by years of on-the-ground experience in Africa and an interdisciplinary approach that fuses anthropology, media studies, and gender theory. Her work has illuminated how religious movements—especially newer ones—evolve, adapt, and interact with the broader social context. She’s also deeply interested in how people experience religion through sound, whether it’s chants, music, or sacred silence. This focus on sonic elements adds a fresh dimension to religious scholarship, encouraging researchers to move beyond what can be seen or written.

Her early years teaching at Nigerian universities laid the groundwork for a lifelong engagement with African religious traditions. She’s been deeply involved in academic organizations as well, playing key roles in building networks like the IAHR Women Scholars Network and the African Association for the Study of Religions, reflecting her passion for collaboration and mentoring.

Books & Publications

Dr. Hackett’s publication record is as diverse as her academic interests. Religion in Calabar (1989) offers a close look at spiritual life in one Nigerian city, combining historical analysis with ethnographic detail. Another standout is Art and Religion in Africa (1996), which explores how creativity and spirituality intertwine across the continent. It’s a vivid exploration of how masks, music, dance, and other forms of expression are not just art—they’re deeply religious.

Earlier in her career, she edited New Religious Movements in Nigeria (1987), which helped put a spotlight on emerging spiritual communities that were often overlooked. More recently, her co-edited volumes like Proselytization Revisited (2008) and Displacing the State (2012) examine the political and ethical dimensions of religious practice in modern Africa. Her 2024 book, Religious Sounds Beyond the Global North, expands on her ongoing fascination with the auditory aspects of faith, shifting the focus away from Western-centric studies and giving voice—literally and figuratively—to underrepresented traditions.

Research & Contributions

One of the most distinctive threads in Dr. Hackett’s work is her interest in how religion is experienced and expressed through sound. This has led her to develop new frameworks for thinking about the “sonic” aspects of spirituality—like how certain sounds are considered sacred, or how religious soundscapes are gendered. In many traditions, who gets to make noise, sing, or remain silent is tied to broader power dynamics. Her research into these phenomena challenges assumptions and opens new doors for inquiry.

In addition to her academic writing, Dr. Hackett has played a key role in fostering international collaboration. Projects like the Global Indigenous Religions (INREL) initiative and the African Consortium on Law and Religion Studies reflect her drive to connect scholars across borders and disciplines. Whether through teaching, mentoring, or organizing conferences, she’s been a catalyst for conversation and innovation in the field.

Awards & Recognitions

Recognition for Dr. Hackett’s contributions has come from both academic and cultural institutions. In 2019, she was named Chancellor’s Professor at the University of Tennessee—a title that speaks to her impact both as a researcher and educator. Earlier, from 2003 to 2008, she held the title of Distinguished Humanities Professor at the same university.

Perhaps one of the most meaningful honors she’s received is an honorary chieftaincy in Nigeria, acknowledging the respect she’s earned among the communities she’s studied. She’s also been a fellow at institutions like Harvard and the University of Groningen, and in 2018, served as the Gerardus van der Leeuw Fellow in the Netherlands. These honors underscore her global reputation and the high regard in which she’s held by fellow scholars.

Social Media Profiles

While Dr. Hackett doesn’t maintain a heavy presence on social media, her academic work is readily accessible online. Her faculty profile at the University of Tennessee offers an overview of her career and publications, and her Academia.edu page is a hub for her latest research. Though not active on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn, her scholarship continues to circulate widely within academic networks.

Bibliographic Sources

EN. (2025). Rosalind Hackett | Amsterdam University Press. https://www.aup.nl/en/author/639247/r-i-j-hackett

Rosalind I. J. Hackett | Women’s Studies in Religion Program. (2025). https://wsrp.hds.harvard.edu/people/rosalind-hackett

Contributors to Wikimedia projects. (2017). Rosalind Hackett – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosalind_Hackett

Rosalind I. J. Hackett – Religious Studies Department. (n.d.). https://religion.utk.edu/people/rosalind-i-j-hackett/

Art and Religion in Africa – Google Books. (1998). https://books.google.com/books/about/Art_and_Religion_in_Africa.html?id=PUStAwAAQBAJ