University of Richmond announces Craig Kocher as Chaplain

April 26, 2017

University of Richmond has appointed the Rev. Dr. Craig Kocher as university chaplain, effective May 15. Kocher previously served as UR’s chaplain from 2009-16.

During his years at Richmond, Kocher worked to ensure the Chaplaincy was a vital part of student life and that programming supported the institution’s efforts to enhance understanding and inclusivity. He will return to the Chaplaincy as it becomes part of the Student Development division.

“We are delighted to welcome Craig back to our campus community,” said Steve Bisese, vice president for student development. “Craig expanded our religious programming and encouraged our community to engage in meaningful dialogue that honored a variety of beliefs during his time at UR.”

“I’m grateful to be a returning to the Spider family, and to an institution I love so much. I’ll do everything possible to advance the life of the spirit at Richmond, and help the university live into its highest ideals,” said Kocher.  

Kocher currently serves as the senior pastor of Oak Ridge United Methodist Church near Greensboro, North Carolina, where he provides leadership and pastoral care to a congregation of 1,700 members and worked with the church to develop a strategic plan. Kocher previously served as associate dean of the chapel and director of Religious Life at Duke University and Methodist campus minister at Davidson College.

He completed his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School, and his Doctor of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary. He is an ordained elder in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church.

 

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