Dr. Kathleen Flake (M.S. 1995, STRS) is a Mormon who has been in the news of late.  As an Associate Professor of American Religious History at Vanderbilt several news outlets (including National Public Radio) have sought her out to comment on Mormon beliefs, practices and personalities – especially because of the candidacy to Mr. Mitt Romney for the presidency and the death over the week-end of  Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints.  Her particular interest in the effects of pluralism on religious identity came through in her NPR interview yesterday (Jan. 28, 2008).  She praised Mr. Hinckley for his tireless efforts to make Mormonism a worldwide religion, and not one that was America-centered or based. Her field of specialization at CUA was in Liturgy, in particular ritual studies.  Her first journal article came out of a major research paper she did here on the Mormon Temple Rite.  Prior to coming to STRS she was an attorney in Washington for ten years. Her doctorate is from the University of Chicago.