Wake In The World

Conversation with Dr. Melva L. Sampson: Minister. Theologian. Digital Curator.

* In this episode, we’ll listen to an insightful conversation with the Rev. Dr. Melva L. Sampson, Wake Forest University School of Divinity’s assistant teaching professor of preaching and Practical Theology. An ordained minister, practical theologian, and digital curator, Dr. Sampson sits at the intersection of preaching, performance, and prophetic imagination.

"Oh Snap! Tackling Food Insecurity During Government Shutdowns." featuring David Harrison, Jr.

In this episode, we’ll listen to an insightful conversation with Wake Div alum David Harrison, Jr., who serves as Executive Director of the New Communion Mobile Food Pantry, a faith-based organization dedicated to strengthening community ties and addressing hunger and food insecurity. We will delve into the profound impact of the recent government shutdown on local communities, particularly on access to food for vulnerable populations.

Faith Forum: “Poetry, Poetics, and Prayer” featuring Dr. Jill Y. Crainshaw - September 16, 2025

In this episode, we hear from founding faculty member Dr. Jill Y. Crainshaw, Vice Dean for Faculty Development and Academic Initiatives and Professor of Worship and Liturgical Theology at Wake Forest University School of Divinity. During our recent Faith Forum titled "Poetry, Poetics, and Prayer," Dr. Crainshaw explored the connections between poetry, aesthetics, philosophy, and religion, providing insights into finding beauty in a challenging world. We hope you enjoy!

Inaugural James & Marilyn Dunn Chair Lecture - “Rivers of Struggle, Infinite Hope,” presented by Dr. Alton B. Pollard III - November 13, 2025

In this episode, we are privileged to hear the Inaugural Dunn Lecture, titled “Rivers of Struggle, Infinite Hope,” presented by Dr. Alton B. Pollard III. A distinguished scholar and academic leader, Dr. Pollard holds the esteemed James and Marilyn Dunn Chair in Baptist Studies at the School of Divinity and serves as a University Professor of African American Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences. We hope you enjoy!

Conversation with Melissa Rogers - The Politics of Belief: Religion, Law, and the Common Good - September 29, 2025

In this episode, we listen to an excerpt from a recent conversation with Melissa Rogers, the Distinguished Scholar in Residence in Faith, Law, and Public Policy at Wake Forest University School of Divinity. This discussion took place during our Faith Forum, entitled "The Politics of Belief: Religion, Law, and the Common Good," held back in September. A nationally recognized expert on religion in American public life, Rogers has decades of leadership experience from the White House, the Brookings Institution, and other organizations. She speaks with Dean Corey D. B. Walker about how religion, law, and public policy influence the common good. We hope you enjoy! To view the conversation in its entirety, visit youtu.be/P8vkYHPbb38 [https://youtu.be/P8vkYHPbb38] “To stay connected and for more information about our school, visit divinity.wfu.edu" [http://divinity.wfu.edu]