The Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities in partnership with Pittsburgh Theological Seminary will develop a post-graduate vocational certification program for college chaplains. This will be the first and only post-graduate certification program focused specifically on the distinctive nature of a college chaplain’s work.
Flowing from the shared Reformed theological identity, the hybrid Certification Program for College Chaplains will serve as both a means of vocational affirmation and educational enrichment. Beginning in 2025, the 24-month intensive hybrid program will be delivered during summer months and designed to balance vocational affirmation with educational enrichment.
The APCU has received $832,000 in grant funding from the Lilly Endowment Inc. to design and implement this national program that will be piloted with chaplains at APCU schools and then extended to chaplains across a broad range of colleges and universities.
“The APCU’s coordinating relationship with chaplains and presidents at Presbyterian colleges and universities provides the organizational connectivity necessary to leverage this project. And the Seminary’s proven track record of programmatic innovation to support broad forms for ministry makes this an exceptional partnership,” said Jeff Arnold, executive director of the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities.
“Quality theological education requires a learning community—one in which faculty and students have significant opportunities for interaction, diverse students can learn from each other, intellectual and pastoral skills are honed, and spiritual growth is supported through a variety of shared practices. While students enrolled in hybrid programs will enjoy the formative experiences of the campus gatherings each semester, we view their home context (college or university chaplaincy) as a primary site of formation,” said the Rev. Dr. Asa J. Lee, president of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
About the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities
The Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the support and advancement of Presbyterian-related colleges and universities. The 50 member institutions have found distinct ways to build on their Presbyterian heritage as they seek to impact their students and the world in remarkable ways. The result is a broad set of academic, social, and spiritual opportunities available across a diverse array of geographic settings that stretch across the continent.
About Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
Rooted in the Reformed tradition and in relationship with Christ-followers from other traditions, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary forms and equips people for ministries familiar and yet to unfold and communities present and yet to be gathered. Pittsburgh Seminary forms culturally-competent and contextually-agile Christian leaders for church and society.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff, and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education, and religion and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. A principal aim of the Endowment’s religion grantmaking is to deepen and enrich the lives of Christians in the United States, primarily by seeking out and supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations and strengthen the pastoral and lay leadership of Christian communities. The Endowment also seeks to improve public understanding of diverse religious traditions by supporting fair and accurate portrayals of the role religion plays in the United States and across the globe.
