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VWU Welcomes New Chaplain
Chaplain Marie Porter splits her time between VWU and Haygood United Methodist Church
University News | November 24, 2020
Virginia Wesleyan’s new chaplain, Marie Porter, is completing her first semester at the University.
Prior to joining the campus community this fall, Porter served as director of student ministries at Haygood United Methodist Church, a position she held for 12 years.
She now splits her time between the church and VWU. She describes it as “the best of both worlds.” Her goal for the school year is to support and uplift students in any way that she can, especially during the unique circumstances that COVID-19 presents. She also hopes to integrate the students at the University with the community to a greater degree.
A self-described “maximizer” and “developer” Porter likes to build on programs and ventures that are already in place and work on taking them to a new level.
“I believe there is no sense in reinventing the wheel when there are options that are already working so well,” said Porter. “I hope to help students focus on and maximize their already existing strengths and accentuate them.”
Porter also hopes to integrate Marlin Ministries to a greater degree with Young Life groups on campus and in the community.
She has been conducting SOAR, the University’s worship program, outside, to comply with the safety measures necessary during the pandemic. The program, led by students, has had good attendance and increased exposure with the new outdoor venue.
Porter encourages all involved with Marlin Ministries and worship on campus to be creative in planning during this time of new challenges.
“Working with Chaplain Marie has been awesome,” said Jason Brugman ’21, a member of Marlin Ministries. “Chaplain Marie has gone way above expectations in helping students, volunteering a lot of her time outside of her hours to give student leaders a chance to succeed, even amidst COVID.”
Adapted from the Marlin Chronicle article by Jack Palmer