Acting chaplain looks to the future during transition
By Michelle Hershman, L'07
Kate O’Dwyer Randall has taken on the role of acting chaplain to the University.
The new year always brings change. For University of Richmond’s Office of the Chaplaincy, 2007 changes include a new leader. Associate Chaplain for Spiritual Outreach Kate O’Dwyer Randall recently became acting chaplain, bringing with her a multitude of plans.
“It is a large position to say the least, and one that I am honored to hold,” said Randall, who is a certified spiritual director with years of theological coursework from religious orders. “Universities have the distinct responsibility of educating the mind and the heart.”
Before coming to Richmond last August, Randall worked as director of ethics and servant leadership at Emory University where she obtained a master’s in divinity in 2003. She has previously worked as a college campus minister and in social service agencies as a case manager and spiritual advisor.
When Randall learned of the associate chaplain opening at Richmond, she was thrilled because it combined her passions and training.
“The University has such an outstanding reputation in higher education,” said Randall. “Applying for the job was something I just had to do. Simply put, I love the students. I like university work because the energy of the students is contagious.”
During her time as associate chaplain, Randall’s responsibilities consisted of building and nurturing the spiritual life on campus.
“Chaplaincy work is crucial to a university committed to forming scholars,” she said. “The office is committed to the inner life of the entire University, promotion of inter-religious issues on campus and the work of justice. The combination of those issues in an organization is rare, amazing, progressive and essential.”
As acting chaplain, Randall serves every person on campus as well as alumni. She is one of only two lay Catholic women in the country to act in the position of chaplain to a university.
Aside from being available to the Richmond community, Randall’s duties include overseeing the staff and all programs of the Office of the Chaplaincy. The office also works closely with the Chapel Guild, an organization of alumni and friends who work to enhance ministry programs and the physical beauty of Cannon Memorial Chapel.
Specifically, this semester, Randall’s work includes serving as a key team member in the transition of the Bonner Scholar program from the Office of the Chaplaincy to the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement. As acting chaplain, she also sits on many University committees, designs student programs around religious life, builds relationships with constituents in the community and offers pastoral counseling.
Randall has plans to create a student-led and student-run weekly worship service and form a study group for students who are discerning the direction of their lives. She also hopes to reinstate the Solon B. Cousins Society for students interested in the ministry.
“The Office of the Chaplaincy finds itself in a transition, as does the entire University of Richmond,” Randall said. “As a team, we are taking this moment in our organization’s life with great seriousness. Our goal is to continue to build on the office’s good work.”