Professor of Religion and Culture Laura Hobgood is one of the featured authors at her undergraduate institution’s inaugural book display, “A Legacy in Print: Celebrating JMU Alumni Authors.” The book selected by the James Madison University Carrier Library is The Friends We Keep: Unleashing Christianity’s Compassion for Animals (Baylor UP: 2010).

Professor of Religion and Culture and Environmental Studies Laura Hobgood published two book reviews and an invited essay over the past several months. She reviewed When Animals Die: Examining Justifications and Envisioning Justice for H-Net Reviews (August 2026) and Lab Dog: What Global Science Owes American Beagles for Environmental History (July 2026). Her essay, “Religion, Animals, and Academic,” was published in June on the official blog of the International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature, and Culture as part of a series of reflections contributed by past presidents of the Society.

Professor of Religion and Culture and Environmental Studies Laura Hobgood was recently a featured guest on the Relationscapes podcast episode titled “How Dogs Domesticated Humans.” As the author of A Dog’s History of the World: Canines and the Domestication of Humans, Hobgood provided her expertise on the long, complicated co-evolution of humans and dogs. Hosted by award-winning journalist Blair Hodges, the Relationscapes podcast explores relationships, gender, sexuality, race, ability, and culture, focusing on ideas that inspire deeper connection and a more humane life. Listen to the episode here. 

Professor of Religion and Culture and Environmental Studies Laura Hobgood presented on the panel “Beyond Personhood: New Ways to Imagine Our Solidarity with Animals” at the American Academy of Religion (AAR) Annual Meeting in Boston. The Animals and Religion Group was founded by Dr. Hobgood and several colleagues in 2000 and has now been active in the AAR for 25 years.

Professor Emeritus of Kinesiology Jimmy Smith and Professor of Religion and Culture/Environmental Studies Laura Hobgood were invited by Lifelong Learning (formerly Senior University) to teach a six-week class called “Going to the Dogs.” The course is based on their 20-year FYS taught at SU.