Pepperdine University names Rochester College religion professor as its new chaplain

Pepperdine University reports:

Pepperdine University has announced Sara Barton as its new University chaplain. Barton formerly served as assistant professor of religion at Rochester College in Rochester Hills, Michigan.

“After a nationwide search that included interviews with many gifted candidates, Sara stood out because of her ability to connect with a wide range of people, and for her love of Scripture and ability to relate it to everyday life,” said Mark Davis, dean of student affairs at Pepperdine. 

As University chaplain, Barton will coordinate campus-wide worship services and provide pastoral care for students, faculty, and staff. Barton will also serve on Pepperdine’s newly created Spiritual Life Committee, which consists of representatives from each of Pepperdine’s five schools and various University departments. Barton and representatives will meet regularly to shape the vision for spiritual life and coordinate spiritual initiatives.

Barton brings more than 15 years of diverse ministerial experience to her new role at Pepperdine. Over the past 10 years, she has served as both campus minister at Rochester College and small groups minister at the Rochester Church of Christ in Michigan. Before that, Barton spent eight years as a missionary in Uganda.

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John Barton, Sara’s husband, has served as provost and professor of philosophy and religion at Rochester College. At Pepperdine, he will teach courses in religion at Seaver College and work with the Center for Faith and Learning as the associate director, Sara Barton told The Christian Chronicle.