Dean Rev. MacPherson vows to uphold Hendricks Chapel as SU’s spiritual home
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UPDATE: This post was updated at 11:24 a.m. on August 19, 2026.
Although he grew up religious, Rev. Corey MacPherson never expected to pursue chaplaincy until he spent a semester in Hong Kong. During his time abroad working with the church, helping orphanages and the local community, MacPherson saw the “profound impact” of public service and knew he wanted to dedicate his life to it.
“I believe the Christian message is something that can be helpful in this world and call us,” MacPherson said. “It calls us to serve and care for others, calls us to serve for those in need.”
After 20 years in religious leadership roles, Syracuse University appointed MacPherson as the new Hendricks Chapel Dean following Rev. Brian Konkol’s departure to Valparaiso University in December. In his role, which he officially began Aug. 9, MacPherson will oversee 15 chaplains and more than 25 religious and spiritual groups while ensuring Hendricks remains a “home” for all students.
Spending over 10 years at Colgate University as university chaplain and Protestant campus minister, Dean MacPherson said SU has always been familiar to him because of its proximity to Colgate and reputation for supporting the religious and spiritual needs of students.
MacPherson explained SU’s religious center operates differently than others, as the Hendricks Dean reports directly to the chancellor, a practice he said is very uncommon. Dean MacPherson believes this factor makes a statement, signifying religious and spiritual life are a “top priority” to the university.
Dawn Singleton, co-chair of the dean search committee and vice president for the student experience, explained the committee sought out someone who will expand and deepen the partnerships between the chaplaincies, ensuring all traditions and faiths are represented. She also highlighted the “vital resources” at Hendricks, including the food pantry and emergency funds.
“We want to continue to honor the past and the legacy, but also ensure that it’s a place that people continue to find as a refuge,” Singleton said. “I think that’s why it’s really the spiritual heart of the university.”
Dara Harper, communications manager at Hendricks, expressed her excitement about finding a permanent Hendricks dean. Now, she said the team can begin creating plans for the future, rather than being in a “limbo holding pattern” with an interim leader.
Singleton said throughout their conversations with committee members, senior management, faculty and staff, Dean MacPherson demonstrated prowess in all aspects.
For Dean MacPherson, a chaplain should be available to support all students in their path, not to convert or proselytize. As university chaplains are not mandated reporters, he said this also gives students greater freedom to communicate.
Rather than simply answer questions, MacPherson said it’s best to lead through wisdom, advice and guidance, journeying with students. This approach was one of his favorite aspects of Colgate, as he worked with a multi-faith and interfaith approach.
“For some, it’s a step forward in their religious journey. Sometimes it’s a step back. Sometimes they identify religious, not spiritual. Sometimes atheists,” Dean MacPherson said. “It’s this really beautiful journey, just being able to help students.”
Leading in a multi-faith and interfaith way is “critical,” Singleton explained, and a key principle for a Hendricks dean, who should support and engage inclusively and collaboratively.
During his time at SU as dean of Hendricks, MacPherson said he aims to encourage students to follow their own “religious journey,” while continuing to foster the chapel’s “beautiful” mission. Courtesy of Dara Harper
During the interview process, Singleton said Dean MacPherson talked about his ability to collaborate with various faith leaders at his previous roles. He emphasized looking at students’ needs to ensure they had access to resources for their faith, which is “really important” at SU.
Dean MacPherson also highlighted the importance of listening to others. Since officially beginning his position, he’s started talking with associate deans about different program options for the school year.
He explained that he has no agenda to shut anything down or start something new, but rather to make decisions as a community. Dean MacPherson said he’s focused on what’s best for SU students, looking at what can be improved and deciding together.
In addition to his time at universities, Dean MacPherson served as a chaplain with the United States Army Reserve’s 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion in his 50s, spending 13 weeks in Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
He joined after hearing there was a chaplaincy shortage in the military, as many members are 25 or younger. MacPherson felt he could help given his experience working with students and younger generations.
Though he leans strongly toward pacifism and nonviolence, he said it’s important not to forget about military personnel even if some may not agree with every aspect of the government or military.
“We have soldiers in there that need support, and our chaplains are one source of support and care for soldiers,” Dean MacPherson said.
As Hendricks Dean, MacPherson’s role is “shifting” away from the battalion, but he said he still wants to prioritize SU’s military community. His focus is now on veterans, and he’s looking forward to working with them at The National Veterans Resource Center.
More generally, MacPherson said he hopes people find Hendricks to be a home for all students, not just for those who identify as religious or spiritual. Whether it’s attending services or getting coffee at People’s Place, he believes the chapel should be a place where every student feels welcome.
As Hendricks approaches its 100th birthday, after opening in 1930, Harper is looking forward to the celebration — with Dean MacPherson leading the school in remembering the chapel’s history and looking toward the future.
At the time of its construction, Hendricks’ 1,450-seat sanctuary was the third-largest university chapel in the U.S., according to SU. Under former Dean Konkol’s leadership, the university saw a 150% increase in student engagement at Hendricks over eight years.
Dean MacPherson highlighted all the “amazing and wonderful” things happening at the chapel, citing Hendricks’ great past and the support he hopes to give all students in this new role.
He said Hendricks’ mission is “beautiful,” due to its inclusive environment and welcoming nature. That ties into his first point of emphasis — encouraging all students to visit religious tradition gatherings to explore what “religious journeys look like.”
“It’s a home for all faiths and a place for all people,” Dean MacPherson said. “And I hope that all students feel not just those who identify as religious or spiritual, truly feel (that), it’s a place for them, a home.”
CORRECTION: A previous version of this article stated MacPherson aims to make Hendricks a “home” for all students. Hendricks has been a multifaith chapel for years and has remained a “home” since its opening, according to its tagline. The Daily Orange regrets this error.
