Limestone University

Gaffney, South Carolina

Director of the Christian Education and Leadership Program/Chaplain

Limestone University is a private, non-denominational Christian, four-year liberal arts institution with an increasing graduate and online student population. Founded in 1845, Limestone College opened as the first women’s college in South Carolina and began admitting men in the early 1900’s. Limestone College officially became Limestone University on July 1, 2020. The mission of Limestone University is to educate students from diverse backgrounds in the liberal arts and selected professional disciplines. Limestone’s main campus is located in Gaffney, South Carolina nestled among the rolling hills of the Piedmont region. Gaffney is within an hour’s drive of the Greenville/Spartanburg and Charlotte metropolitan areas.

With a growing enrollment of over 3,000 students, Limestone is one of the three largest private institutions in South Carolina. The faculty and staff, academic and co-curricular programs, financial resources, and support services are dedicated to an educational experience that upholds high academic standards and fosters respect for learning, beauty, creativity, hard work, tolerance, personal integrity, vigorous activity, and spiritual reflection. By providing degree programs throughout South Carolina and with on-line programs, Limestone University offers opportunities for personal and professional growth to individuals who may find access to higher education difficult.

Founded in 2000, the Christian Education and Leadership Program (CELP) is uniquely Limestone, engaging students in an accountable discipleship program in which they commit themselves to a consistent regimen of devotion, prayer, study, and service, including mission trips, with a priority comparable to that given to their academic or athletic commitments. Since its establishment in 2000, CELP has awarded over $1.35 million dollars in scholarships and other aid to 465 students committed to development and growth as Christian leaders, and has delivered over $1,000,000 of relief to impoverished children and families in Brazil, Zimbabwe, and Belize, as well as giving thousands of hours each year in mission service to the Gaffney community.

The Position

Reporting to the University Provost, the Director of the Christian Education and Leadership Program/Chaplain provides opportunities for students of various denominational groups to participate in leadership initiatives and academic opportunities that deepen or help them find their faith in Christ. The Director/Chaplain will also serve as liaison to local churches and will work to involve area churches in the campus religious activities for students, staff, and faculty. The Director/Chaplain develops and coordinates campus worship opportunities; promotes student missions and service work; assists in curriculum and program development; and plans, promotes, and is active in the religious and social activities of students.

The Director/Chaplain chairs the Advisory Committee that makes recommendations about the CELP program offerings, the guidelines for admission into the program, and the scholarship awards. This position also assists the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ), and other clubs and organizations that support student development. The Director/Chaplain provides general leadership and oversight for the department budget, strategic planning, programs, and events.

Qualifications

A master of divinity degree or related degree and/or ordination in a Christian denomination, as well as progressive experience working with college-level students in higher education, is required. Other preferred qualifications include an emphasis on Christian counseling and strong Christian leadership skills; visionary thinking and planning/organization skills; the ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty and staff; the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with students, with an emphasis on dynamic communication and collaboration; demonstrated problem-solving and strategic visioning skills; and a demonstrated personal and professional commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Application and Nomination

Review of applications will begin August 25, 2020 and continue until the position is filled. A resume with an accompanying cover letter may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at www.spelmanjohnson.com/open-positions. Nominations for this position may be emailed to Laura Puckett-Boler at lpb@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895.

Visit the Limestone University website at www.limestone.edu

Limestone University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.