National Association of College and University Chaplains

The National Association of College and University Chaplains and Directors of Religious Life (NACUC) is the interfaith professional community of chaplains, rabbis, deans of chapel, and other personnel appointed by the academic institution to be responsible for the religious program of the academic community. It was founded in a national conference convened by Clarence Shedd, which met at Yale University in 1948. Since then, NACUC has met annually throughout the country.

From the description of National Association of College and University Chaplains and Directors of Religious Life records, 1947-2005 (inclusive). (Yale University). WorldCat record id: 702165267

NACUC was founded in 1948 at a conference convened by Clarence Shedd at Yale University. Since that time, the NACUC expanded to include a membership of 121 chaplains by 1996. It holds annual conferences throughout the country. The organization went through a variety of affiliations with other professional organizations of chaplains/religious leaders. The NACUC is directed by a president (a revolving position) and an executive committee. A high mark of the NACUC was the 50th anniversary conference, "Holy Wilderness" held at Yale University June 27-July 2, 1998.

Throughout its history the NACUC published a regular newsletter. Beginning in 1998 it also published a news journal called Ailanthus at irregular intervals.

The NACUC Information Service was started in 1959 with the intention of helping clergy find places at colleges and universities. Bradford S. Abernethy, University Chaplain at Rutgers University, ran this service, gathering personal data forms from interested clergy members and sending them to colleges and universities that were seeking to employ a chaplain or other religious leader. The service was discontinued in 1961 because Abernethy found it difficult to learn of openings at colleges.

From the guide to the Archives of the National Association of College and University Chaplains and Directors of Religious Life (NACUC), 1947-2005, (Yale University Divinity School Library)