Introducing Emerson’s Director of Religious and Spiritual Life

Dear Emerson Community,

It gives me great pleasure to announce that Emerson’s next Director of Religious and Spiritual Life and Campus Chaplain, Rev. Julie Avis Rogers, will begin her work with us on February 3!

Julie holds a BA in Theatre from Denison University, with minors in Sociology/Anthropology and Vocal Music Performance; and a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School, with a focus on campus ministry, liberation theologies, and pastoral care. Most recently, Julie served as the associate pastor of the Church of the Covenant in Boston, and as the founding director of the Kindling Collective,  a multi-faith student initiative to creatively nurture the spiritual lives of young creatives in the Boston area.

The majority of Julie’s career has involved supporting college-aged students through interfaith, international, and intercultural practice rooted in social justice, liberation, and the arts. She previously served as intercultural education program assistant and community coordinator to college students studying abroad on semester-long programs and travel seminars in Cuernavaca, Mexico, through the Center for Global Education. Julie is fluent in Spanish, and is an accomplished author, speaker, and publisher.

Here is a message from Julie:

Hello Emerson community! I am so delighted to come on board as your new director of religious and spiritual life and campus chaplain! No matter where you are on your own journey of spirituality, belief, worldview, and faith, there is a place for you in the Center for Spiritual Life, and I can’t wait to get to know you and learn how I can best be of service to you. For the past six years, I have served a progressive Protestant congregation just around the corner from Emerson here in downtown Boston, and through this proximity, I’ve grown to deeply admire the amazing community of students, faculty, and staff who embody so much spiritual depth and creative genius. I can’t wait to join this remarkable community and to meet you all soon!

The search committee did an outstanding job, and we are so appreciative of their tireless efforts! Many thanks to Pam Walsh, Kyle Eber, Christopher Grant, tamia jordan, Elise Harrison, Jeremy Heflin, Paula Mangiaratti, and Ann Zhang! I also wish to thank our Spiritual Life team — Kristelle Angelli, Jacob Freedman, Brian Indrelie, and Ann Zhang — for keeping the office moving forward during this time of transition.

Please join me in welcoming Julie to Emerson! A community meet and greet will be scheduled shortly after her arrival. Please keep your eyes out for an invitation.

 

Sincerely,

Sharon Duffy (she, her, hers)
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs