Clifton Strengths:

Connectedness, Achiever, Belief, Input, Learner

Education

• MFA, Creative Writing (Nonfiction) – West Virginia Wesleyan College
• MA, English – University of Lynchburg
• BA, Spanish and Theatre – University of Lynchburg

Job Responsibilities:

• As Associate University Chaplain, I serve on the Spiritual Life team, providing spiritual care to students and other members of the University community.
• Along with other Spiritual Life Center staff, I assist in stewarding the Lynchburg Cares Fund.
• I oversee Spiritual Life’s student groups and coordinate our interfaith council.

Awards and Publications:

• 2025 Received the Shirley E. Rosser Award for Excellence in Teaching

• 2024 “Chronic Pain Visits for Christmas” (poem) in Chronic Poetics Anthology
• 2022 “Remembering Tina and Me” (poem) in K’in Literary Magazine
• 2018 “Weekend Ritual” (poem) in Anima Magazine
• 2023 Received The Elise Ervin Bock Award for Excellence in Citizenship
• 2022 Received The Helen Mundy Witt Multicultural Award

What are you passionate about?

As a chaplain, I am passionate about spirituality and ensuring that everyone has a space at the spiritual table. I am a Board member for the North American Hindu Chaplains Association and am a member of the Association for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Life in Higher Education As a professor, I am deeply devoted to helping students find their voice. My hobbies include meditation, writing, and visiting coffee shops.