Faculty

Claire Mathews McGinnis, Ph.D.

  • Academic Focus Theology

Claire Mathews McGinnis, Ph.D., professor of theology, strives to teach the whole person in her classroom. “I am open to all sorts of questions and tangents that arise in class when they are important to the students,” says the Baltimore native who also serves as the department chair. “It’s my take on what cura personalis means in the classroom.” Dr. McGinnis completed her B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from Swarthmore College. She holds a Master of Divinity and a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Yale University. Her research focuses on prophets and prophecy, and she has authored numerous publications on several Old Testament books, including Exodus. Dr. McGinnis believes Loyola’s emphasis on service-learning prepares students for the future: “The integration of theology with service and reflection on service and justice issues equips students to do important work in non-profit, service-oriented careers.” In her advising role at Loyola, she encourages her students to follow in the footsteps of St. Ignatius by listening to their desires.

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Dr. Matthews
I think most students appreciate the way in which Loyola’s courses allow them to explore questions of faith, and the possibility of faith, in an open and honest and intellectually rigorous way.

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