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Pepperdine Welcomes New University Chaplains 

David Lemley

Pepperdine University will open the 2007-08 school year with two new University chaplains. Shelly Cox and David Lemley will replace longtime and beloved chaplain D'Esta Love, bringing with them an abundance of experience and dedication to the University and its students, faculty, and staff.

In their new roles, the chaplains will carry out a wide range of duties including planning or assisting prayer services, devotionals, and worship services throughout the year. They will also fill the critical role of providing pastoral care, mentoring, and spiritual direction to members of the University community.  

Pepperdine Provost Darryl Tippens remarks, "It is very difficult to find anyone to fill D'Esta Love's shoes, but we are confident that Shelly and David will make a great team as they serve the diverse pastoral needs of our students, faculty, and staff."

Chaplain Cox

Chaplain Cox received her B.S. in journalism from California State Polytechnic University in 1989 and most recently her M.S. in ministry from Pepperdine in 1993. Since then she has filled many roles: in Churches of Christ  as a worship committee member; at Rochester College in Michigan as an adjunct instructor of religion; and at Pepperdine as an assistant to the dean of international programs and as a human resources staff member. She is also a teacher in her congregation's education program.

Chaplain Lemley dedicated his education to the area of theology and religion receiving his B.A. in religion from Pepperdine and master's degrees in divinity, history, and theology. He is currently completing a Ph.D. in theology, worship, and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. He has considerable experience planning worship services and has also been an adjunct professor of religion at Pepperdine.

Pepperdine is a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. The mission of the Chaplain's Office supports the vocation of Pepperdine University by tending to matters of the heart and spirit, and providing resources that enable men and women to grow into a deeper spiritual maturity.