Hendricks Chapel welcomes eighth dean, the Rev. Corey S. MacPherson

Syracuse University’s Hendricks Chapel welcomed its eighth dean, the Rev. Corey S. MacPherson, just over a month ago. Before joining Syracuse University, MacPherson served as director of the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development at Penn State University beginning in December 2025, following ten years as a university chaplain at Colgate University.

In his role at Hendricks, MacPherson oversees 15 chaplains, two campus ministers and 22 religious and spiritual life groups.

For staff members inside the chapel, MacPherson’s arrival quickly brought a warm and approachable energy to the building. Lillie Kochis, a hospitality associate and MacPherson’s intern, recalled her first interaction with him.

“This guy is so down to earth,” said Kochis. “The experience he has coming from chaplaincy is something I’m really excited about. I think it gives him a greater understanding of being the person who’s leading them.”

Alongside his academic career, MacPherson has earned multiple degrees. He holds a doctorate in leadership studies and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University, as well as a doctor of ministry degree from Asbury Theological Seminary and a master of divinity degree from Nazarene Theological Seminary.

MacPherson previously served as an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene, as well as served as a chaplain with the U.S. Army Reserve’s 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion.

Associate Dean of Hendricks Chapel Rebecca Kantrowitz, who recently transitioned to the position following her role as interim dean, described the leadership transition as a smooth and positive step forward for the chapel community.

“Dean MacPherson has been just wonderful,” Kantrowitz said. “It’s been a really easy and positive transition. He is deeply in tune with the chaplain experience.”

Drawing on his years as a minister at Colgate, MacPherson intends to maintain a strong physical presence across campus. During a recent hospitality meeting, he discussed setting up open office hours, aimed at creating dedicated opportunities for students to drop in and meet with chaplains informally.

“The foundation is listening, but the second piece is students at the center of everything, like everything we do,” MacPherson said. “It’s supporting the chaplain and supporting the staff so they can support the students and their religious and spiritual journeys.”

A major priority for MacPherson is ensuring minority religious traditions and smaller religious groups have a voice.

“I feel like I have to be a voice for those that may not be at certain tables, to be a voice for the absent,” MacPherson said. “I want to make sure that they recognize their value and worth, and that they are just as important a part of this community as any other.”

Speaking about religious divides on campuses nationwide, MacPherson stressed that real progress comes from building genuine, personal friendships, regardless of religious belief.

“Nothing is of much value unless it’s born of relationships,” MacPherson said. “Sometimes we talk about relationships or dialogue, and those are important. Those relationships, I think those are the things that change the world.”

As Hendricks Chapel approaches its 100th anniversary in 2030, MacPherson reaffirmed his commitment to living by the chapel’s mission statement.

“I look forward to working with students, faculty, staff and the broader Syracuse community to carry that work forward,” MacPherson said.

For the students and staff working alongside him, MacPherson’s vision has brought a clear sense of optimism amongst staff, students and the greater university community.

“I feel like this year is a season of newness, the way that spring comes around,” Kochis said. “I’m really excited to see what Corey’s gonna do and how he’s going to contribute to our chapel.”