Larry D. Shinn

Dr. Larry D. Shinn, a visionary scholar of religion and transformative leader in higher education, passed away on April 2, 2025, at the age of 83. A man of purpose, compassion, and wisdom, Dr. Shinn leaves behind a profound legacy shaped by his intellectual rigor, moral clarity, and unwavering commitment to education, inclusivity, and service.
Born on January 16, 1942, in Alliance, Ohio, Dr. Shinn's lifelong pursuit of knowledge and understanding began early. He graduated magna cum laude from Baldwin-Wallace College, earned his Master of Divinity summa cum laude from Drew University Theological School, and completed his Ph.D. in the History of Religions at Princeton University. His academic focus centered on Eastern religions and philosophies, leading to national recognition for his contributions to the study of Hinduism, Buddhism, and new religious movements. His notable works include Two Sacred Worlds, The Dark Lord, and Lustful Maidens and Ascetic Kings, as well as his co-editorship of The Perennial Dictionary of World Religions.
Dr. Shinn's academic career spanned decades, beginning with fourteen years at Oberlin College, where he was named the William H. Danforth Professor of Religion. He later served as Dean and Vice President at Bucknell University before becoming the eighth president of Berea College in 1994. His 18-year tenure at Berea was marked by bold, mission-centered leadership that redefined the college's approach to student learning, sustainability, and strategic growth.
Under Dr. Shinn's leadership, Berea College flourished. He launched the Being and Becoming strategic plan, expanded global learning opportunities, strengthened academic and labor programs, and guided the college through the 2008 financial crisis while maintaining its historic commitment to tuition-free education. A champion of ecological responsibility, he founded the Sustainability and Environmental Studies program and led the development of Kentucky's first LEED-certified building and the pioneering Ecovillage residential complex.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Shinn was a man deeply rooted in love-for learning, for justice, and for his family. He met his wife, Nancy, at Alliance High School, and their bond endured for 69 years, built on shared values and a mutual commitment to service. Together, they raised two daughters, Christie (Peter) and Robyn, and took immense joy in their grandchildren-Melina, Andrew, Dylan, Christopher, and Ethan-and great-granddaughter, Delilah.
Known by friends and colleagues as a "renaissance man" and "a force of nature," Larry Shinn possessed a boundless curiosity and a contagious passion for life. Whether traveling, reading, playing cards, fishing, or teaching, he brought energy and generosity to everything he did. Even in retirement, he remained an active mentor, consulting for the Association of Governing Boards and authoring Strategic Thinking and Planning in Higher Education: A Focus on the Future (2017), helping institutions nationwide strengthen their mission-driven leadership.
Dr. Shinn once described his professional life's work as rooted in three pillars: sustainability, student-centered learning, and strategic leadership. These values continue to echo in the halls of Berea College and in the lives of those he inspired.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 7 at Union Church in Berea, Kentucky. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to The Larry and Nancy Shinn Fund for Education Abroad inspiring generations of Berea students to embrace learning opportunities worldwide. Details may be found at murial.life/larryshinn.
Dr. Larry D. Shinn lived a life of enduring impact-a legacy of thought, action, love, and leadership. May his memory be both a blessing and a beacon.