Elmhurst University names new university chaplain
Elmhurst University has announced that the Rev. Amanda Gott will join the campus community as its new university chaplain.
Selected during a national search, Gott currently serves as interfaith chaplain at The University of the South, an Episcopal liberal arts college in Sewanee, Tennessee.
In this role, she ensures that all students have the resources and support to fully live their religious and spiritual identity on campus. She also works with student leaders and campus partners to develop and implement programming, and provides students with spiritual care. She will begin her role at Elmhurst this summer.
“Reverend Gott is a dynamic, highly visible leader who brings a wonderful combination of empathetic leadership and strategic vision to her role,” said Keri Alioto, vice president for Student Affairs. “Her authentic presence and commitment to student-centered ministry will be a tremendous asset. Whether navigating complex moments with grace or fostering belonging in our daily campus life, her pastoral care will ensure that every member of the Elmhurst community feels seen, heard and supported.”
Gott said the chaplaincy at Elmhurst initially appealed to her because the university is “somehow big and small at the same time.”
“It’s small enough to be a real community, but also large enough to offer a lot of opportunities and resources to students,” she said, “and large enough to have a very broad student body, with students from a lot of different stories, different places and different experiences that I’m looking forward to serving.”
After visiting the campus, Gott said, “I was just really impressed by the students that I met, the questions they asked and the things they had to say, and also the commitment of the faculty and staff that I met — their passion for serving students and serving them well.”
“Being the chaplain at a college is work that I love,” she said. “I feel it is my true vocation as a minister, and I’m really excited about getting to do that at Elmhurst.”
Gott also has served as rector in Episcopal churches in Nebraska and New England. She earned her bachelor’s degree in religious studies and world religions from Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York; a master of divinity from Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado; and a master of sacred theology from the General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church in New York City. She also completed an ACPE Clinical Pastoral Education residency at St. Anthony Hospitals in Denver.
“Our chaplain plays a vital role in providing holistic leadership, pastoral care and spiritual guidance to every member of our campus community,” said Elmhurst University President Troy D. VanAken. “We are so pleased to welcome Reverend Gott and the experience, care and commitment she will bring to the chaplaincy here.”