The President and the Board of Trustees of Acadia Divinity College are pleased to announce the promotion of Rev. Dr. Melody Maxwell to the rank of Full Professor, and her appointment to the Hannah Maria Norris Chair of World Christian History and Women in Ministry, effective July 1, 2025.
President Dr. Anna Robbins said, “This dual recognition highlights Melody’s many academic contributions, her leadership in the study of Christian history, and her unwavering commitment to the advancement of women in ministry. She is also deeply appreciated as part of the faculty team and wider community at ADC.”
Melody joined Acadia Divinity College in August 2018 as Associate Professor of Church History, bringing teaching and research experience from institutions such as Howard Payne University, East Texas Baptist University, and Samford University. Over the past six years, she has become a key member of the College’s faculty, earning accolades for her interactive teaching style and her ability to inspire students in exploring complex historical topics.
Since 2018, she has authored or edited 18 scholarly works, including articles, book chapters, and books. She has also delivered nearly 40 scholarly presentations and produced numerous ministry-related publications. Described by Dr. David Bebbington as a “Baptist historian of distinction,” and “a pioneer of the history of gender relations,” Melody has published extensively in the areas of Baptist history, religion and gender, global Baptists, and women in ministry. Recently she attracted significant Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) funding to launch the Called to Serve project which documents the stories of ordained Baptist women in Atlantic Canada. Melody is interpreting the gathered data and disseminating her research in conferences and papers.
Beyond her academic achievements, Melody’s has demonstrated firm commitment to the church and community, serving on the boards of several organizations, including the Canadian Baptist Historical Society, and has been an active participant in the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) for nearly two decades. Melody currently chairs the Baptist Heritage and Identity Commission of the BWA, and since 2019, she has directed the Acadia Centre for Baptist and Anabaptist Studies (ACBAS), overseeing its growth and development. In 2024 Melody was named Coordinator for the International Conference on Baptist Studies, further extending her influence within global academic networks. Locally she worships and serves at Wolfville Baptist Church, where she was ordained to Christian ministry in 2020.
Reflecting on her promotion and appointment, Melody shared, “It is an incredible honour to step into this role at Acadia Divinity College. The legacy of the Hannah Maria Norris Chair inspires me to continue advocating for women in ministry and exploring the rich history of the church. I look forward to building on this heritage and serving our students, the academic community, and the church in meaningful ways.”
