The Rev. Dr. Karen Coleman

The Rev. Dr. Karen Coleman serves as the University Chaplain for Episcopal Ministry. Where she welcomes the daily interactions with students, faculty and staff. “There is a diversity and range of ideas, cultures, economics and abilities that makes BU comes alive.

Some students are a one-time encounter, and others attend our weekly opportunities to connect. Chaplaincy makes a difference in the lives of our student. We are a non-anxious, non-judgmental presence when the world our students inhabit is about moving onto the next thing in their lives. It’s ok not to have the answers or even know the questions when you encounter a chaplain but to believe and have faith or to have faith that I have faith”. Rev. Karen also serves as an Assisting Priest at Trinity Episcopal Church, Boston. She is also a certified mindfulness instructor and spiritual director.

She is a graduate of The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor where she holds a B.A. in Art History and a masters and Doctor of Divinity degree from Episcopal Divinity School. The title of her thesis was “Episcopal Female Leaders of African Heritage: Trailblazers and Colleagues”. Prior to her seminary studies she worked in the higher education and non-profit field as a development professional focusing on major gifts.

Her BU committees include, Diversity and Inclusion, Office of Students Affairs / Campus Partners liaison, and the BU School of Theology Anglican Episcopal Community of Learning. In her spare time, she is actively involved with her sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha, needlepoints and enjoys birdwatching.