Rev. Corey MacPherson named director of Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Student Affairs has announced the appointment of the Rev. Corey MacPherson as the next director of the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development. He officially began his role at the beginning of January after a national search.

MacPherson joins Penn State from Colgate University, where he served as university chaplain and Protestant campus minister and was part of the campus community for over a decade. At Colgate, he led a broad multifaith and ethical life portfolio that supported more than a dozen religious, spiritual and secular student communities. His leadership included supervising chaplains and affiliate leaders, strengthening interfaith engagement, expanding resources and space for diverse traditions, and helping shape Colgate’s Religious Life Framework in collaboration with campus and community partners. He also holds national leadership experience, serving as the elected secretary on the board of directors for the Association for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Life in Higher Education (elected in spring 2024).

With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, chaplaincy, nonprofit leadership and ethical development, MacPherson’s background includes service at Eastern Nazarene College, participation on the Institutional Review Board at Stony Brook University Medical Center, and service as a chaplain (captain) in the U.S. Army Reserve. His scholarly contributions include a chapter titled “A Fractured and Divided Church: A Call to be ONE,” forthcoming in the edited volume "Dispatches from Campus" (Augsburg Press, spring 2027).

MacPherson’s educational background spans leadership studies, theology and professional military training. He completed his doctorate in leadership studies from Gonzaga University, a doctor of ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary, and a master of divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary. He also completed a master of arts in organizational leadership at Gonzaga University and earned a bachelor of arts in business administration from Eastern Nazarene College. His professional credentials include the Chaplain Officer Leadership Course at the U.S. Army Institute for Religious Leadership and an Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising from the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving at Indiana University.

“We are thrilled to welcome Corey to Penn State as the next director of the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development,” said Brian Patchoski, associate vice president for Student Affairs. “Corey brings a deep commitment to multifaith inclusion, ethical reflection and student well-being — values that sit at the heart of our work. His ability to build relationships, foster belonging and support students across belief systems will strengthen our community in meaningful ways.”

At Penn State, MacPherson will provide leadership for the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development’s programs, services and partnerships within the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center. The center supports students of diverse backgrounds through interfaith initiatives, student organization guidance, ethical dialogue, personal reflection opportunities and access to meaningful community-building spaces.

MacPherson said he is looking forward to contributing to Penn State’s commitment to inclusive student support.

“I am honored to join Penn State and to support the important work of the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development,” MacPherson said. “I am excited to meet our students, affiliate partners and campus colleagues, and to help create spaces where individuals from all belief traditions — and those still exploring — feel welcome, valued and supported. This community’s dedication to student well-being and belonging is evident, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of it.”

The Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development plays a key role in Penn State’s efforts to support holistic student development, offering programming and partnerships that encourage personal growth, ethical inquiry and interfaith understanding.

Penn State Student Affairs supports holistic student success through advocacy, education, engagement and care. With more than 30 programs and units, Student Affairs helps students thrive in and out of the classroom, discover community and belonging, build leadership skills and create lasting memories. All programs and events are open to all students, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or other protected class. Student Affairs is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Learn more about Student Affairs programs at studentaffairs.psu.edu.