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Protestant Campus Minister Corey MacPherson has been named University chaplain for a three-year term beginning July 1. 

The University chaplain at 51���� oversees the daily operations, staff management, and budgetary aspects of the Office of the Chaplains and aids all students in their spiritual journeys, including those who may not identify as religious. The chaplaincy office supports 12 religious groups on campus, provides pastoral care and counseling, and leads discussions centered on religious practice and building interfaith relationships.

MacPherson succeeds Rabbi Barry Baron who will complete his term as University chaplain at the end of June. 

“I would like to thank Rabbi Baron for his service as University chaplain,” says Vice President and Dean of the College Paul J. McLoughlin II. “Rabbi Baron has shared wisdom, humor, and grace in his leadership of the Office of the Chaplains. He has been deeply committed to introducing new interfaith programming and helping students learn from one another.”

MacPherson is the founding pastor of North Shore Church in Stony Brook, N.Y. Prior to 51����, he served as vice president for spiritual development and church relations at Eastern Nazarene College. He has been at 51���� for nine years. This will be his second term serving in the University chaplain role. 

“I look forward to building on the great work Rabbi Baron has done, continuing to create new interfaith connections and opportunities to bring students together to deepen their learning and understanding,” MacPherson says. He hopes to nurture existing partnerships within the Dean of the College Division and foster new relationships with academic departments, further enriching the University’s collaborative spirit. 

MacPherson holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University, a master of divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary, and a doctor of ministry degree from Asbury Theological Seminary. He also recently earned his PhD in leadership studies from Gonzaga University where his research focused on authenticity in religious leadership. 

MacPherson has written numerous devotionals as well as articles on preaching and servant leadership. He was also a regular contributor to the Huffington Post. This year he became an Army Reserve chaplain and will be attending officer leadership training this summer. 

“I am grateful to Corey MacPherson for returning to the role of University chaplain,” says McLoughlin. “I look forward to working with him and the other chaplains as we strive to support students in their religious and spiritual journeys and educate them about the world’s faith traditions.”