Alumni Spotlight: Devin Burns

Devin Burns graduated from Florida State University in 2017 with dual bachelor’s degrees in history and religion from the Department of History and Department of Religion, both part of the College of Arts and Sciences. She later returned to FSU in Fall 2019 and graduated with a doctorate in religious studies in 2024. Burns is now an assistant teaching professor of religious studies at Arizona State University in Tempe, and her research explores religion in the 19th-century American South with particular attention to denominational history — the development and beliefs of 19th-century church groups.

Tell us a little about your background, where you’re from, and what brought you to FSU.

I’m a proud Floridian from West Palm Beach and a two-time FSU alumna. I originally enrolled as a music major, as I dreamed of becoming an opera singer during my undergraduate years, but later discovered a deeper interest in the humanities. FSU has incredible programs that fit all my interests and gave me freedom to explore, which led me to switch my major to history and add religion. Returning to FSU for another five years of doctoral work felt like coming home.

What inspired you to pursue dual degrees in history and religion?

I’ve always loved history and understanding how we arrived at contemporary times, but I first became interested in religious studies through my FSU undergraduate religion courses. I became fascinated by a new way of understanding history — one that placed religion at the center of the narrative. I was especially drawn to how religion intersected with American history and race. That interest ultimately led me to explore these themes in my honors thesis published in 2017 during my time in the FSU Honors Program, and later in my 2024 dissertation, “In Christian Bonds,” which further examined the role of religion in shaping historical narratives. Both offered me a new lens for understanding the past and its influence today.

Tell me about your current role at Arizona State University.

A day at ASU as an assistant teaching professor involves a lot of teaching. I primarily instruct large introductory courses and strive to spark interest in the study of religion. Some of the topics I cover include religion in America, religion and pop culture, and themes like life, sex and death. My day usually involves preparing lectures, meeting with students, teaching classes, and carving out time for research whenever possible.

What do you enjoy most about your job? Why is your work important?

My favorite part of my job is getting to know my students. Building those connections helps us navigate the complex topics that often come with studying religion.

For many students, my class is one of their few humanities courses, so it makes them think in divergent ways from their major courses. I work hard to create a classroom environment that’s welcoming and thought-provoking, and I encourage students to see the world a little differently than they did before the course began.

How did your time at FSU prepare you for professional success?

One of the highlights of FSU’s doctoral program in religion was the amount of teaching experience I was able to accrue. From my first year, I was able to teach in-person, online, and large, small, introductory, and special topics courses, which prepared me well to teach varied student groups and modalities at ASU. FSU equipped me to hit the ground running in my first faculty position; I will always be thankful for that foundation.

Tell us about a meaningful experience during your time at FSU.

In March 2016, during a typical Tallahassee downpour, I was on my way to meet Katherine Mooney (now the associate chair for graduate studies and professor of history) to discuss my honors thesis on religion and the Civil Rights Movement. Determined to protect the primary source documents I had found, I wrapped them in zip-closed bags and duct tape before walking across campus. When I arrived — completely drenched — she looked at me, and we both laughed before she began flipping through the materials as we shaped the argument of my thesis. That moment showed me how meaningful and exciting this work could be and gave me a model for the kind of faculty member I wanted to become someday. It confirmed my path in academic research.

What faculty or staff members inspired you?

I’m deeply grateful to many members of the Department of Religion — Lucius Moody Bristol Distinguished Professor of Religion and professor of history John Corrigan, assistant professor of religion Sonia Hazard, associate professor of religion Laura McTighe, chair and professor Martin Kavka, and professor of religion Adam Gaiser. Each of them, in their own ways, helped shape my understanding of what academia is and what it can be. I see their influence reflected in my own research and teaching. Their guidance throughout my five years in the doctoral program has been invaluable, and I hope to carry forward their mentorship and intellectual legacy.

What are some upcoming goals or projects that you’re working toward?

I’m working on turning my dissertation on the Confederate Episcopal Church into a book. In addition to that, I’m digging into research on religion and social media. Mostly, I’m enjoying teaching and meeting all the students I can.

What are you looking forward to now that you’ve graduated?

I can’t wait to explore life in the West. I still have so much love for FSU, but I’m excited to be in a completely new environment while still getting to do what I love. I’m also looking forward to moving on from being a student after 11 years of higher education.

What advice do you have for current students?

Take fun classes. College is one of the few times you'll get to explore interests beyond your career path, so take a class on pop culture, fantasy literature, rock music, the Roman Empire, or whatever topic you frequently think about. You never know where those passions might lead, so give yourself the chance to step outside your comfort zone.