The Rev. Dr. Theresa S. Thames (she/her/hers) is the Associate Dean of Religious Life and of the Chapel at Princeton University. Born and raised in Biloxi, Mississippi, being a Black woman from the deep South informs her sense of the world. She is a graduate of Howard University, Duke University Divinity School, and Wesley Theological Seminary. Theresa thrives at the intersections of theology, race & culture, gender, and social justice. Though an ordained United Methodist elder, Theresa identifies as poly-religious regarding her life of faith and spiritual practices in exploring God's depth and breadth.

Theresa is the founder and CEO of Soul Joy Coaching & Yoga LLC, which works to equip womxn of color with the tools to discover their deepest truths and cultivate a life of joy. Theresa is a thoughtful theologian, challenging preacher, and sought-after speaker who shares her brilliance on platforms such as The Moth, Omega Institute, Netflix, and many others.

Theresa is unapologetically queer and lives a life rooted in liberation theology. She is a “compassionate” wife, devoted friend, author, music connoisseur, podcaster, avid reader, certified yoga teacher, Peloton rider, OG GirlTrekker, half-marathon runner, and dog mama to a Black Lab. But, most importantly, Theresa believes that freedom is not optional, rest is her strength, and radical joy is her resistance.