Rev. Dr. Shameka Cathey is an American politics scholar, focusing on the area of African American Politics. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Jackson State University; a Master of Public Policy and Administration from Mississippi State University; and a Doctorate in Political Science from Howard University.  As a scholar-minister-activist, Dr. Cathev has worked to integrate applied research with social justice issues. She prides herself on working in partnership with students, colleagues, and community advocates to uplift the freedom, affirmation, and celebration of all diverse identities.  

In addition to her scholarly pursuits in American politics, Dr. Cathey is passionate about congregational ministry and has a deep desire to help foster peace and justice in the world. Broadly, her ministerial work focuses on encouraging humanity to live in relational harmony with God, each other, and the earth. She graduated with a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt University in December 2020, with a certificate in Black Church Studies. At Vanderbilt Divinity School, she served as a fellow for the Public Theology and Racial Justice Collaborative and the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice. Dr. Cathey was also named a Dean’s scholar and a recipient of the Robert Lewis Butler Award.

A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Dr. Cathey now resides in Nashville, Tennessee and is looking forward to developing and expanding her ministerial pursuits.