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David Lemley Offers Spiritual Care as Pepperdine Chaplain
David Lemley has been appointed Pepperdine University chaplain after serving in a part-time capacity as associate chaplain last year. As an alumnus and grandson to the third president of the University, Lemley says he’s grateful for the opportunity to fill the spiritual needs of Pepperdine University, where he too cultivated his own faith and character.
"Pepperdine has given a great deal to me, and I am so pleased to be able to serve in this way, and to partner with so many respected peers and leaders in my work here," Lemley says. "I hope to have the opportunity to welcome and walk with many on their way to discerning who they were made to be, what they were made to do, and how much they are loved by their Creator."
Lemley graduated from Seaver College in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in religion. He went on to earn his master’s degree in history and theology at Abilene Christian University, before returning to Southern California to become a doctor of theology at Fuller Theological Seminary.
He came back to Pepperdine in 2007 as associate chaplain, coordinating worship, memorials, and weekly prayer services, and responding to spiritual needs during campus crises. He also oversaw the annual student spiritual retreat. "He has a very caring and gentle spirit, which is essential. He knows how to minister to people in crisis," says Darryl Tippens, University provost.
Lemley will continue to fulfill these duties, among others, as fulltime chaplain. "The chaplain serves the spirit of an institution, providing care and keeping an open door to the community," he says. "I hope to provide students, staff, faculty, and others who serve Pepperdine access to spiritual resources and a deeper sense of God's presence and work among us."
Tippens says he has full confidence in Lemley’s ability to do so. "The chaplaincy is a unique position within the University, and Dave Lemley is a great choice for this special assignment."
To find out more about resources of the chaplain’s office, visit the Chaplain's office Web site.
