Larry D. Shinn *72

Larry died April 2, 2025, in Berea, Ky.

Born Jan. 16, 1942, in Alliance, Ohio, Larry graduated from Baldwin-Wallace College in 1964, earned a master of divinity degree from Drew University Theological School in 1968, and completed his Ph.D. in religion at Princeton in 1972.

His focus centered on Eastern religions and philosophies, specifically the study of Hinduism, Buddhism, and new religious movements. Larry’s works include Two Sacred Worlds, The Dark Lord, and Lustful Maidens and Ascetic Kings. He was co-editor of The Perennial Dictionary of World Religions.

Larry’s academic career began at Oberlin, where he was named the William H. Danforth Professor of Religion. He later served as dean and vice president at Bucknell before becoming the eighth president of Berea College in 1994. During his 18-year tenure he launched the Being and Becoming strategic plan, expanded global learning opportunities, strengthened academic and labor programs, and guided Berea through the 2008 financial crisis while maintaining its historic commitment to tuition-free education. 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.

Larry is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughters Christie and Robyn; five grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. 

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.