Morehouse College Dean of King Chapel Search

The Dean of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel serves as the spiritual leader of Morehouse College, providing trusted pastoral care that nurtures the moral and ethical development of students, faculty, and staff. As a public theologian, the Dean fosters interfaith dialogue and engages thoughtfully with contemporary social issues that are relevant to the campus and global communities. Additionally, the Dean promotes scholarship by encouraging academic inquiry, supporting research initiatives, and creating opportunities for students and faculty to explore the intersection of theology, ethics, and social change. The Dean is charged with advancing the College’s prophetic legacy of producing service-minded men who lead with spiritual maturity, moral courage, and a profound sense of social responsibility.

The Dean serves as the steward of Morehouse’s historic Black religious heritage, cultivating an inclusive, interfaith environment and positioning the Chapel as a vibrant center of campus life. The role includes strategic leadership of Chapel programs—such as Chapel Assistants, Collegiate Worship, and Chapel Crown Forums—and fosters collaboration with other College units, including the Division of Student Life and the Department of Philosophy and Religion, while engaging faculty and staff in Chapel programming. The Dean also plays a crucial role in major College events, including New Student Orientation, Commencement, Homecoming, and Founders’ Day, ensuring these ceremonies honor and preserve the College’s sacred rituals and traditions.

The Dean must be prepared to serve simultaneously as compelling teacher, preacher, pastor, public theologian, and spiritual mentor, demonstrating moral courage, inclusivity, and ecumenical openness. The Dean must also be a capable and thoughtful administrator, ensuring operational effectiveness and responsible financial stewardship.

The next leader must be personable and accessible, engaging students in conversations about identity, mental health, and personal development, linking spiritual, intellectual, and cultural development to character formation. The Dean must also navigate the evolving nature of college ministry, introducing contemporary approaches to spiritual life and community engagement, facilitating intergroup dialogue, and developing programs for leadership growth and vocational discernment, while serving as a trusted spiritual counselor and ethical guide.

The next Dean also must demonstrate innovation, technological fluency, and the ability to balance sacred and secular dimensions of ministry. Leveraging digital platforms and social media will be essential for expanding the Chapel’s reach, fostering community, and amplifying its impact.

Direct reports to the Dean include an Associate Dean of Chapel Relations, Assistant Dean of the Chapel, and Executive Assistant to the Dean. Additionally, the Dean provides oversight for student Chapel Assistants and part-time Chapel musicians.

KEY OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR THE DEAN OF THE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. INTERNATION CHAPEL

The next Dean of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel will face a unique moment of opportunity and challenge. This individual will advance Morehouse’s religious traditions, strengthen academic partnerships, curate student leadership programs, and expand digital engagement. The role also demands strategic fundraising and a renewed vision to position the Chapel as a center for ethical and spiritual development. Balancing administrative, pastoral, and intellectual leadership responsibilities while fostering trust and student engagement will be key. Building upon an impressive foundation, the next dean will address the following challenges and strive to use them as opportunities to propel the Chapel to even greater prominence:

Articulate a clear vision for the Chapel and spiritual life at Morehouse, and lead strategies that respond to the evolving landscapes of spirituality and religion, higher education, and the world more broadly.

The Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel is a hallmark of spiritual life and moral leadership at Morehouse College. The next Dean must be a visionary who honors this legacy while boldly shaping its future—balancing tradition with innovation to meet the needs of Morehouse students. More than a building, the Chapel is a sacred space for spiritual engagement, reflection, and growth. It should continue to welcome all who seek meaning and purpose while strengthening its role as a hub of theological, moral, and personal development for Morehouse men. The next Dean must be attuned to the realities of modern college ministry, understanding that many students arrive in search of identity, purpose, and belonging. This leader must articulate and advance a forward-looking vision that is intellectually rich, spiritually diverse, and true to Morehouse’s founding Christian heritage—fostering ecumenical and interfaith engagement so that all students feel at home, regardless of faith or background. Most importantly, the Dean must preserve the Chapel’s intimacy and history while guiding it confidently into the future, ensuring it remains a vibrant center for spiritual engagement, dialogue, mentorship, and community-building.

Support students through inclusive spiritual guidance and mentorship.

The Dean of the Chapel at Morehouse College serves as a spiritual leader and mentor, guiding students in their faith, personal growth, and professional development. Central to this role is fostering an inclusive Chapel environment that emphasizes pastoral care and character formation. As a trusted advisor, the Dean offers spiritual counseling and moral guidance, helping students explore questions of identity, vocation, and purpose.

A key component of this work is the Chapel Assistants program, which embodies the Chapel’s mission. Under the Dean’s leadership, the program cultivates inclusive perspectives and provides opportunities for students to engage in spiritual leadership, theological reflection, and service. Chapel Assistants are mentored not only as future faith leaders but also as individuals preparing for diverse vocations rooted in ethical integrity. The next Dean will facilitate intergroup dialogue and manage power dynamics within the program to ensure fairness and authentic character development. Recognizing that many students seek spiritually grounded counsel, the Dean remains approachable and collaborates with campus support services. Ultimately, the Dean’s influence extends beyond the pulpit, shaping the moral and spiritual fabric of the Morehouse community through mentorship, inclusive leadership, and a commitment to holistic student development.

Advance the mission of the Chapel and the College by leading strategic fundraising initiatives that strengthen its financial foundation and enrich its historic programming.

The Dean of the Chapel must embody spiritual leadership and the vision, energy, and agility necessary to secure the financial resources that will elevate the Chapel’s mission and broaden its impact. As a compelling brand ambassador for the Chapel and the College, the Dean must be passionate about fundraising and willing to partner with the Office of Institutional Advancement, the President, and others to cultivate support from a diverse array of donors. Central to this role is developing a visible and trusted presence among Morehouse alumni, community leaders, philanthropic partners, and other stakeholders, serving as a key ambassador for the College’s broader mission.

Demonstrate strong administrative leadership and management skills to effectively guide the Chapel’s operations and strategic direction.

A strong administrative foundation is essential for the next Dean of the Chapel, who must bring strategic systems thinking to the role. The Chapel serves as a central hub for numerous programs across the College, requiring effective oversight and operational excellence. The Dean will work closely with the senior leadership of the College to ensure the Chapel is fully utilized and well managed, maintaining its legacy and purpose. This includes leading improvements across the enterprise by implementing efficient systems for project execution and daily operations, calendar management, operational effectiveness, and expanding programming opportunities. A steadfast commitment to exceptional service for students, parents, faculty, alumni, and donors is essential, along with thoughtful stewardship of the Chapel’s mission and its place within the broader Morehouse community.

Serve as a thoughtful leader who enriches the intellectual and spiritual life of the Chapel and the College.

The Dean of the Chapel at Morehouse College is expected to be a scholarly and thoughtful leader whose intellectual and spiritual depth inspires the campus and broader community. This includes overseeing curricular and co-curricular learning opportunities in collaboration with faculty, staff, and community partners, and fostering spaces for theological reflection and dialogue.

While no single candidate will have every qualification, the search committee seeks candidates with a well-rounded combination of the following personal and professional abilities:

• Educational preparation: A Master of Divinity (MDiv) or a comparable masters-level degree and an earned research or professional doctorate in a relevant field from an accredited institution are required.
• Excellent communication skills: A highly skilled oral and written communicator who will inspire, motivate, and educate internal and external audiences; strong listening skills and the ability to foster meaningful, respectful, and productive relationships with the College’s varied constituencies, stakeholders, and partners.
• Visionary leadership: Ability to set a clear vision and strategic priorities that expand the impact of the Chapel with the credibility and dexterity to engage collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students—as well as the extended community of parents, alumni, community partners, and other stakeholders—and to respond effectively to their needs and concerns.
• Fundraising and financial acumen: Proficiency in fundraising and financial management to secure and deploy the necessary resources to sustain and enhance the Chapel program.
• Ecumenical and interfaith engagement: Experience building strong partnerships locally, nationally, and internationally with a focus on developing, facilitating, and enhancing spiritual and religious life programming, dialogue, and services in an interfaith and/or multifaith context.
• Scholar and thought leader: An intellectual and spiritual depth that informs campus life, inspires public discourse, and advances Morehouse’s mission through prophetic preaching, teaching, and theological reflection.
• Administrative leadership and management: A strong administrative leader who fosters accountability, manages operations, and drives innovation for the long-term success of the Chapel.
• Cultural understanding: Appreciation for Morehouse’s unique culture and history, particularly its mission as the nation’s only higher education institution exclusively focused on the education, development and success of Black men.
• Integrity, moral character, and justice-centeredness: A strong ethical foundation to guide decision-making and inspire confidence among stakeholders; a deep commitment to and demonstrated track record of justice-centered leadership in the tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
• Interpersonal skills: A leader for whom equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values, with a strong record of advancing diversity and fostering a culture of compassion, cultural fluency, and emotional intelligence; the ability to connect with individuals at all levels, demonstrating relatability and approachability and a commitment to student well-being, growth, and development.
• Adaptability and innovation: Openness to change and embracing new technologies and ideas while maintaining essential rituals, traditions, and historical connectivity.

COMPENSATION AND LOCATION

Competitive compensation will be offered commensurate with the level of administrative and academic appointment of the selected candidate. This is an in-person position that requires full-time physical presence on the campus of Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Applications received by January 2, 2026 will receive priority consideration. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website:

 For more information and to reach the Dean Search committee, email deansearch@morehouse.edu.

Ernest Brooks, Partner
Alycia Johnson, Managing Associate
Henry Nickerson, Search Coordinator
Isaacson, Miller

Morehouse College is an equal opportunity employer. No employee or applicant will be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

This document has been prepared based on the information provided by Morehouse College. The material presented in this leadership profile should be relied on for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, the original source documents and information provided by Morehouse College would supersede any conflicting information in this document.

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