Virginia Wesleyan Welcomes New Chaplain
Founding pastor of Grace Harbor, a multi-cultural church in Suffolk, Va., The Rev. Greg West brings his cross-cultural experience to the Wesleyan community.
By Megan Z. Shearin | May 30, 2010
Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Va. – The Office of the President at Virginia Wesleyan College has announced the selection of the Reverend Greg West as the new College Chaplain, effective August 1.
West, who is the founding pastor of Grace Harbor, a multi-cultural church in Suffolk, Va., received his Master’s of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Ky., and his Bachelor of Arts in English from Old Dominion University. He speaks Spanish and has led multiple mission trips to Mexico, Nicaragua and Jamaica. He was ordained as an Elder in the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church in 2003 and served as senior pastor at Stokesland United Methodist Church in Danville, Va., for three years.
“I am excited to have Reverend West join the Virginia Wesleyan community,” said President Dr. Billy Greer. “His extensive work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and enthusiasm for spiritual growth makes him a real asset on our campus.”
“I’ve already had the privilege of meeting some faculty and students and am really looking forward to being on campus at Virginia Wesleyan,” said West. “A college campus is an excellent place for spiritual learning and growth, as it corresponds with the academic training that is happening.”
West replaces Virginia Wesleyan’s former Chaplain, the Rev. Florence F. Brooks, who is relocating to Richmond, Va., with her husband, Burt, and five children.
“Reverend Florence Books did an amazing job at Virginia Wesleyan and we will miss her leadership,” said Dean of Students David Buckingham. “Reverend West will continue the College’s spiritual life programs, including the well-attended Sunday Worship Service, Soar.”
West is married to Eileen and they have three young children, Josiah, 10, Evie, 8, and Luke, 7.
The Virginia Wesleyan College Chaplain offers chapel services, special religious services, pastoral care and counseling and religious programming. The Chaplain’s office is located in the Jane P. Batten Student Center, room 028.
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