- Th.D., Theology and Ethics, Duke University Divinity School
- M.A., Theology, Ohio Dominican University
- M.Ed., Education, University of West Georgia
- B.A., Mercer University
The Rev. Dr. Mindy Makant is associate professor of religious studies, director of the Youth and Family Ministry Program and director of the Living Well Center for Vocation and Purpose at Lenoir-Rhyne University. In 2022, she was appointed dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She is the 2021 Roediger Distinguished Service Professorship recipient, designated annually by the president in recognition of distinguished service to the university, profession, and community.
She is the author of two books: The Practice of Story: Suffering and the Possibilities of Redemption and Holy Mischief: In Honor of Women in Ministry. Her research interests include pastoral care, justice, the relationship between church and state and the role of the imagination in the Christian life.
Makant is also an ordained deacon in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and certified spiritual director. She is currently serving on the ELCA’s Task Force on the Social Statement on Church, Government and Civic Participation. She chairs the North Carolina Synod’s Task Force responsible for the Synod’s relationship with its companion church in Costa Rica.
In 2019, Makant received the Lenoir-Rhyne Faculty Scholar Award, which is presented to the faculty member who has made the greatest contribution to his/her discipline during the academic year.