by Bekah Ervin

news editor

In January 2013, Reverend Chris Donald came to Millsaps College as the new college chaplain and director of religious life. While at Millsaps, he has presided over the Challenge program, Wesley Connection and other organizations. This past week, Rev. Donald turned in his letter of resignation to Millsaps president, Dr. Robert Pearigen.

In his recent memo regarding the resignation, Pearigen stated, “Chris has energized the religious life of our community, from his work through student organizations and new and exciting partnerships with faith communities beyond our campus. He has been a voice of strength, patience, and wisdom for students, faculty, and staff. I have also appreciated his skills in strategic planning and long-term visioning for Millsaps.”

Students also reflected on their experiences with Donald as they discovered his plans for the future. Lucy Kaplan, freshman, remarked, “Chris is such a great guy who really cares about Millsaps’ students and faith culture. [I] love him.” She recalls him as being one of the first people she met when she came to Millsaps, and their continued friendship ever since their meeting at Fourth Night.

Donald will be focusing on obtaining his doctorate from Vanderbilt University. This also will allow him to be with his wife, who is in residency at Duke University Hospital in North Carolina.

With plans to stay at Millsaps through June, Donald will continue to work on- and off-campus until he begins his studies at Vanderbilt. He shared this with Pearigen (also included in aforementioned memo): “I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to share in the life of the Millsaps community and to walk alongside students, faculty, and staff in learning, serving, and growing together. This is a special place and I will miss it, but mostly I will miss the gifted, thoughtful, and generous people here.”