WFU welcomes new chaplains

A message from University Chaplain Rev. Chris Donald

I am excited to introduce the newest members of the spiritual life team in the Office of the Chaplain. These chaplains and campus ministers bring a wealth of experience and expertise that will further enhance the support and resources the Office of the Chaplain is able to provide for students, faculty and staff seeking spiritual guidance and community. They will play a vital role in cultivating an inclusive, multifaith environment at Wake Forest.

Akshay Gupta, Assistant Chaplain for Hindu Life and Religious Engagement

Chaplain Gupta most recently served as an academic researcher at the Bhaktivedanta Institute and as a priest and youth minister at the New Goloka Temple in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Chaplain Gupta holds a master’s degree in religious studies from Duke University and a doctorate in religious studies from Cambridge University.

Imran Haq, Assistant Chaplain for Muslim Life

Chaplain Haq most recently served as a chaplain in Washington, D.C., providing pastoral care to a diverse Muslim population and programming centered around grief processing and development. Chaplain Haq holds master’s degrees in chaplaincy and interreligious studies, both from Hartford International University. 

Stephanie Marshall, Assistant Chaplain for Jewish Life

Chaplain Marshall most recently served as Jewish education manager at the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. An educator and leader with more than 25 years of experience creating programming for community, religious and educational organizations, Chaplain Marshall holds a master’s degree in Jewish education from Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute for Religion.

These are concrete steps toward meeting the multifaith and spiritual needs of our diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. The Office of the Chaplain supports the work of student organizations campus-wide that reflect a variety of Christian, Jewish and other religious, spiritual and secular perspectives, as well as non-sectarian spiritual practices. Several of these diverse religious organizations also welcomed new spiritual leaders provided by their faith communities beyond campus. Finally, the Office of the Chaplain oversees a variety of non-sectarian contemplation spaces throughout campus, including meditation rooms in Reynolda Hall and Benson University Center.

I’m grateful for the warm welcome offered to me by members of the Wake Forest community. That is a reflection of an institution that takes seriously the holistic development of students, including spiritual reflection, growth and change. These new members of the spiritual life team will create space for students from diverse religious traditions but also promote understanding and cooperation across lines of difference. We look forward to serving the students, faculty and staff of Wake Forest together.

I invite you to visit the Office of the Chaplain website to learn more about all of our spiritual care practitioners and the resources available to the Wake Forest community.