New chaplain oversees campus spiritual life activities – The Morning Sun

Reverend Alissa Davis, a Alma College graduate with over a decade of pastoral experience, has been appointed chaplain at Alma College.

As a chaplain, Davis provides leadership and a creative vision for a religious living environment that includes worship, study, and service to others. His appointment took effect on November 3.

“Many students use their time at university to seek opportunities to live their faith and explore their spirituality,” said President Jeff Abernathy. Tour. Davis offers a passion for campus ministry and years of experience that will enable him to build on the foundations of Alma’s faith practice in a safe, supportive and uplifting environment. welcome to Alissa in Alma and I look forward to our partnership together.

Davis recently served as a worship pastor for the Reformed Church of Midland, where she served in various roles for seven years. Previously, she served as the Family and Youth Pastor at Bridgeport Community Church and Campus Minister at Northwood University and Saginaw Valley State University.

Davis graduated from Alma College with a Bachelor of Arts in 2011. While in Alma, she participated in a number of student activities including choir, chapel, Bible study, and campus ministries of new life. She also met her future husband, Matthew Davis ’11, on campus, and later got married at the Dunning Memorial Chapel.

In addition to his bachelor’s degree, Davis holds a master’s degree in divinity from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan.

Davis said she was drawn to her alma mater for its “people-centered mission,” including an increased focus in recent years on interfaith worship. She added that she was excited to work with the students, for the “fresh perspective” they can offer on timeless questions of religious identity and spiritual exploration.

“We want to be a place that cares about people – where they go and what they are passionate about. We want to strengthen and cultivate that, to help them get further down the path they are taking, ”said Davis. “We’re not afraid to learn, which makes me really excited to come back here. We will always try to find out more.

“Students ask questions, learn, ask questions,” she continued. “Sometimes they’re small questions, sometimes they’re big questions, but they’re always good questions. Students just aren’t afraid of this stuff. In this role, I expect to be constantly challenged and I’m really excited about it.

In Alma, Davis envisions a chapel program that welcomes people of all faiths, provides opportunities for spiritual growth, and sponsors activities integrated into college life.

“In general, my basic goal is to take care of the people in this community,” Davis said. “I love to see how the chapel program specifically broadened its perspective by saying, ‘Whoever you are, regardless of where you are from, we want to help take care of you. Sometimes it’s messy and sometimes it’s difficult, but we’ll always strive to do better.

Alma College is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (United States).