History

Portrait of Jessie Ball duPont

The Board of Trustees established the position of chaplain to the University in 1973. Situated within the Division of Student Development, the chaplain plays a vital role in the enrichment of campus life. In October 1986, the chair of the chaplaincy was established as a permanent part of University life with a $1.5 million endowment, created through a $750,000 challenge grant from the Jessie Ball duPont Religious, Charitable and Educational Fund in Jacksonville, Fla.

Founded by faithful Baptists who believed that the life of the spirit and the life of the mind were intertwined, the University of Richmond has always been committed to supporting moral and spiritual values in an atmosphere free of sectarian bias. Now with 14 campus ministries and a commitment to serve those who adhere to a specific religious tradition or not, the Office of the Chaplaincy offers opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to explore their own convictions, faith, and spirituality within a welcoming inter-religious context.