University Chaplain
Rev. Dr. Ken Walden, Ph.D.
Rev. Dr. Ken J. Walden is the University Chaplain. He provides spiritual and intellectual guidance to a diverse faith community of students, faculty, and staff through worship, pastoral care, and counseling. He gives pastoral leadership to a variety of programs and experiences, which emphasizes the vitality of faith and learning, examines challenging ethical and social issues, raises awareness of and celebrates differences, and fosters greater knowledge and understanding of all religions and spiritual development. He is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religion, which gives him the privilege and pleasure to teach classes in the School of Humanities and Social Science. Dr. Walden also helps to ensure the University works cooperatively with the United Methodist Church and other faith groups to address topics of mutual concern.
Dr. Walden received his Bachelor’s degree from The Citadel, a Master of Divinity Degree from Duke University Divinity School, a Doctor of Ministry Degree from the Graduate Theological Foundation, and a Ph.D. in Practical Theology with an emphasis in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Claremont School of Theology. He has studied at the Centro Pro Unione in Rome, Italy and Oxford University in Oxford, England. Dr. Walden has served as preacher, teacher, lecturer for numerous educational and religious institutions across the globe, and author of numerous publications. He has also participated on a number of mission trips that include Haiti, South Africa, and Honduras.
Dr. Walden’s experience includes pastoring on the east-coast, mid-west, and west-coast. He is married to the Mrs. Michelle Walden. He is also a Chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserves currently holding the rank of Major.