Dean of the Chapel, Full-Time, Higher Ed: Berea, KY
Berea College achieved national distinction as the first coeducational and interracial college in the South. With an emphasis on service to the people of Appalachia and beyond, Berea enrolls 1,600-plus students from more than 40 states and 70 countries. The College has a longstanding commitment to interracial education; here, people of different races seek to learn from and about each other, while also living together. Berea is among the most racially diverse private liberal arts colleges in the United States. It admits only students whose families are unable to afford the high cost of tuition and awards each of them a four-year tuition scholarship valued at $200,000, meaning no student ever pays tuition. Ninety-eight percent of Berea’s domestic students are Pell-eligible, probably the highest percentage in the country. They excel in the College’s supportive but demanding academic environment, and many are the first in their families to graduate from college. In addition to an excellent liberal arts education, Berea is one of eight federally-recognized Work Colleges, requiring all students to participate in a work program 10-15 hours per week in a variety of positions across campus.
Berea College has always nurtured the spiritual life of its community in a variety of ways. While categorized as non-denominational, the school creates an inclusive Christian spirituality that has always promoted social justice in its many forms. During its earliest history, the College provided many opportunities for Christian education and spiritual development, requiring the participation of all students and faculty. Beginning with the founders of the College, several members of the faculty and administration, including five of the school’s nine presidents to date, also have been ordained ministers from several different Christian traditions and denominations. Through much of the College’s history, many of the ministerial members of the College’s faculty and administration led the community in worship and study of scriptures. For many decades, the president of the College even appointed a “College Preacher.” This person helped the school to fulfill its Christian commitment. Despite the important role of the Christian faith in the founding, history and present mission of the College, the College does not regard itself as a church. It considers participation in any religious community or tradition completely voluntary for its students, staff and faculty.
To learn more about Berea’s Campus Christian Center (CCC), visit the https://www.berea.edu/ccc/.
To explore more information about the CCC’s mission, visit the https://www.berea.edu/ccc/mission/.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
Reporting to the President, The Dean of the Chapel provides leadership in interpreting and applying the college’s 3rd Great Commitment through participation in formal occasions of the College, speaking to various groups on and off-campus, supervision of the Campus Christian Center, and involvement in the governance of the College. The Dean of the Chapel reports directly to and serves as an advisor to the President and the senior leadership of the College.