Megan Dowdell

Megan Dowdell, GTU MA ’09, has been teaching at SKSM since 2009. She holds a M.A. in Ethics/Social Theory and a Certificate in Women’s Studies in Religion from the Graduate Theological Union. She is a doctoral candidate in Sociology through the University of California San Francisco, expected to graduate in 2018. Her current scholarship focuses on the spiritual needs of people coping with chronic health conditions across religious traditions, especially women of color coping with congestive heart failure. She is captivated by teaching and working with students pursuing religious vocations that seek wholeness and liberation.

In addition to serving as a faculty advisor, Megan teaches introductory courses in ethics and social theory, as well as intensive courses in health ethics and sexual ethics. She also supports students completing community internships through the Community Intern Reflection Seminar. Through a collaboration with the Unitarian Universalist Partner Church Council, she is planning a July 2018 immersion course called “A Mindful Walk,” in which students will learn about leading spiritual practice and cultural history as they walk as a group and with locals through the Unitarian heartland of Transylvania.

Megan lives in Los Angeles (Hollywood), California and frequently travels to the SF Bay Area to meet with colleagues, faculty, staff and students. She is pleased to be invited to preach at area congregations that bring joy, love and compassion to the world as well as collaborate with scholars, chaplains, and medical researchers. You can learn more about her academic and religious leadership at her personal website (www.meganruthdowdell.com).