معرفی
Eliza Smith DeBevoise serves as University Chaplain, Director of Community Engagement, and Lecturer of Religious Studies at Converse University. An ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA), she integrates clinical chaplaincy experience with campus ministry to oversee religious life organizations, manage Valkyrie Supply's basic needs hub, and connect students to community service opportunities.
Educational background:
- BA in Religion, Furman University (2016)
- Master of Divinity, Columbia Theological Seminary (2020)
- MA in Practical Theology (Pastoral Care focus), Columbia Theological Seminary (2020)
Her research centers on interfaith work, religious trauma theory, and grief/bereavement counseling, with specialized focus on vocational discernment for college students. She actively addresses first-generation student challenges and basic needs through community partnerships, extending her pastoral care expertise from clinical and congregational settings to campus life.
Recent publications analyze generational shifts in religious practice and innovative ministry models beyond traditional parish structures, demonstrating her commitment to evolving religious education frameworks for contemporary student populations.
Award recognition:
- Florie S. Johnson Award for spiritual care excellence (2020)
- Dukes Family Award for Staff Achievement (2023)
- First Gen Champion Award for student support (2022-2023)
- Recognition for Outstanding Advisor (2024)
As an advisor, she received 2024's Outstanding Advisor award for guiding student development, while managing Valkyrie Supply's community partnerships through AmeriCorps VISTA collaborations. Her confidential counseling role on the Student Life team complements course development in religious studies curriculum.
She leads Valkyrie Supply's operational framework for food/hygiene distribution and cultivates student service networks with local organizations, creating holistic support systems that bridge spiritual care and material needs.
