Sharon Suh is the New Wismer Professor

Professor Sharon Suh, PhD, is the 2023-2025 recipient of the Patricia Wismer Professorship for Gender and Diversity Studies, allowing her to apply a scholarly focus to structural inequality as part of Seattle University's commitment to education for justice in the Jesuit and Catholic tradition.

Dr. Suh, who teaches in the Theology and Religious Studies, is a highly sought after intersectional feminist scholar, devoting her research to the intersection of religion, race, gender, trauma and embodiment.

President Eduardo Peñalver’s appointment of Dr. Suh will allow her time away from teaching to focus on a research project. Additionally, it will allow her to collaborate extensively with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to pool talent and resources, co-sponsor university-led programs and events and support inclusive excellence priorities such as LIFT SU.

In addition to numerous articles, book chapters, speaking engagements and three books on Buddhism and Asian identity and representation, Dr. Suh was the featured speaker at February's Red Talk, “Mindfulness and Healing Race-Based Trauma.”

President of the Sakyadhita International Association of Buddhist Women, Dr. Suh also serves on the board of directors of The Center for Mindful Eating and most recently served on the board of directors of Yoga Behind Bars.

The professorship is named for Patricia “Trish” Wismer, PhD, who is also the namesake for the Wismer Center. Dr. Wismer was professor of Theology and Religious Studies who started teaching at Seattle University in 1988.