Faculty
Garrett Potts
Assistant Professor
Contact
Email: garrettpotts@usf.edu
Office: CPR 455A
Bio
Dr. Garrett W. Potts is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at USF. His work focuses on religio-cultural competence, particularly in the areas of Health, Business, & Religion. To date, his research examines virtuous leadership and the importance of empathy and active listening while striving to engage respectfully with others' religious and cultural backgrounds. Dr. Potts teaches multiple undergraduate courses around these topics. Additionally, Dr. Potts has published on servant leadership, work as a calling, moral injury, and spiritual caregiving.
The article is a work in conjunction with Dr. Potts' focus in health, business, and religion, and specifically in his concentration surrounding .
Dr. Potts recently had the privilege of joining his friend Bob Chapman on his organization's podcast. Bob is the visionary CEO and Chairman of Barry-Wehmiller and the author of the groundbreaking book 'Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family.' In this episode, they delved into the true purpose of education and explored why contemplating the end of our lives is crucial for living meaningfully. Bob's insights, rooted in his Truly Human Leadership approach, sparked a rich and inspiring conversation. Bob and Barry-Wehmiller have revolutionized corporate culture by prioritizing people and focusing on sending team members home fulfilled each day. Their approach proves that caring leadership drives both business success and personal growth, challenging us to redefine our concept of success and consider our lasting legacy. This example has profoundly inspired both Dr. Potts and his students.
Check out Dr. Garrett Potts in the Flourishing Leaders Podcast! Dr. Garrett Potts was recently featured in Dr. Scott Parson & Jason Viyar's "," where he spoke about virtue ethics, meaningful work, and human flourishing!

The episode, titled "Noble Purpose: Craft, Character, and the Work That Helps Us Flourish," discusses the question: What if the purpose of work isn't simply to produce excellent results...but to become an excellent human being? In the episode, Dr. Potts emphasizes how his focus on religio-cultural competence promotes thoughtful conversations on how meaningful work, virtuous leadership, and healthy communities shape character and encourage flourishing. Listeners are invited to explore how these concepts intertwine to create a more holistic approach to leadership and personal development.
Awards
- Dr. Potts, with other Religious Studies faculty members, received a $60,000 grant from Interfaith America for their work in developing courses like "World Religions for Healthcare Professionals."
- Dr. Potts secured a $237,620 HUB Development Grant for the Department of Religious Studies from the Yale Center for Faith & Culture and in partnership with the John Templeton Foundation.
- Work as a Calling was published in May 2022 by Routledge University Press.
More Information on Dr. Garrett Potts