Evan Fisher Wins Outstanding Student Award

Senior religion major Evan Fisher has been named the 2026 Outstanding Student in Religion at James Madison University. Fisher will graduate with his bachelor's degree this spring and plans to matriculate into a Master of Divinity program this fall.  In the future, after completing seminary school, he intends to work in ministry as a pastor. In his study of religion at JMU, Fisher has been most interested in the practical applications of lofty and abstract religious ideas. He sees religion as “a thread of brilliant color by which the tapestry of life is woven,” and in this tapestry each individual strand must be observed and examined.  When asked about his experience in the university's religion program, Fisher said that he has enjoyed both the experimental aspects of religious studies and the freedom of thought in the program.  “As long as one is able to supply ample evidence in the form of scripture, cultural context, historical documents and the like,” he commented, “one can pursue most any train of thought desired.  By this liberty, I have done exactly that and have fully enjoyed my time in doing so.”  Congratulations and best wishes, Evan!