Duke University. Dean of the Chapel.

The Dean of Duke Chapel oversees the operation of the chapel and plays an integral role in connecting the academic and spiritual lives of the university's students, faculty and staff.

From the description of Minister to the University (Dean of the Chapel) records, 1940-1984. (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 164600263

The position of Minister of the University has undergone several title changes and reporting lines since it was first filled in 1932, the same year the Chapel was first used. While the Chapel was being constructed, President Few specified that it should be non-denominational and that services should not include the usual ceremony and hymn-singing of Protestant churches. Few later modified this approach, but the non-denominational focus was kept.

Initially two professors in the School of Religion, Franklin Hickman and Elbert Russell served as the first Preachers to the University. In late 1937, the campus approved the formation of an interdenominational congregation to be associated with Chapel and the Student Religious Council recommended the employment of a full-time university minister. As a result, Hickman was named the first Dean of the Chapel in 1938. Hickman shared preaching duties with James Cleland after the Divinity School hired him as professor of preaching in 1945. In 1948, Hickman recommended the "Dean of the Chapel" title be abolished, since it was a deanship in name only. Cleland protested but did not gain the deanship title until 1956, after Hickman retired.

When Cleland retired and Wilkerson left to become president of Greensboro College, Robert Young was appointed to the newly named Minister to the University position. A 1972 campus study of the dean and chaplain positions done in advance of Cleland's retirement recommended the change. William Willimon was hired as Minister to the University in 1984, and the Board of Trustees changed his title to Dean of the Chapel in 1989. Willimon, like Cleland, served as a professor in the Divinity School.

Preacher to the University

1932-38 Franklin S. Hickman, Methodist

1933-37 Elbert Russell, Quaker

1949-55 James T. Cleland, Presbyterian

Dean of the Chapel

1938-48 Franklin S. Hickman

1956-73 James T. Cleland

1983 Robert T. Young, honorary title given after resignation, Methodist

1989-2004 William H. Willimon, Methodist

2005-Present Samuel Wells, Anglican

Chaplain

1954-57 Barney L. Jones, Methodist

Chaplain to the University

1958-1972 Howard Wilkinson, Methodist

Minister to the University

1973-83 Robert T. Young

1984-89 William H. Willimon

From the guide to the Minister to the University (Dean of the Chapel) records, 1940-1984, (University Archives, Duke University)