HU Chaplain Elected President of NACUC

Hampton, VA - Hampton University’s chaplain, the Rev. Dr. Timothy Tee Boddie, was recently elected president of the National Association of College and University Chaplains (NACUC) at the organization’s 59th Annual Conference.  The conference was held at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in Hampton, Va.  Boddie is the first elected president and the first African American to lead the NACUC in its 59-year history.

Boddie, who has been a member of the NACUC since 2001, served this year as the conference coordinator and was nominated to run for presidency at the business meeting. This year marked the first year in which the NACUC held an election to determine presidency.  Typically, the role of president is passed down through automatic succession to the vice president.

The NACUC is a multi-faith professional community concerned with the religious life of the entire college or university. The organization was founded in 1948 at Yale University by professor Clarence P. Shedd and has since met annually at various places throughout the country.

Boddie explained that being elected as the first black president of the NACUC is evidence that, “we’re still making strides and breaking barriers.” He continued, “It makes me both proud and determined at the same time. I use the word ‘determined’ because I feel that as African Americans we must continually prove ourselves. It’s not that I’m the first African American qualified for the position, I’m just the first with the opportunity.”

Dr. Joyce Jarrett, Hampton University’s provost, affirmed, “Dr. Boddie takes his role as chaplain very seriously, which makes it plain to me that he is what he preaches — a straightforward, honest, hard-working individual.”

# HU #

Hampton University, a dynamic, progressive institution of higher education, is a privately-endowed, non-profit, non-sectarian, co-education, historically black university. It is located in southeastern Virginia and boasts one of the loveliest campuses in the nation, with a picturesque waterfront and historic buildings and landmarks. Comprised of seven schools, a Graduate College and a College of Continuing Education, Hampton University is among the leaders in higher education.