Anthony Cruz Pantojas, Humanist Chaplain

Education:

• Ph.D. Candidate, Cultural Studies, Universidad Ana G. Méndez, PR
• M.A.T.S., Andover Newton Theological School
• M.A.L.S. Meadville Lombard Theological School
• Graduate Certificate in Humanist Studies American Humanist Association Center for Education (formerly Humanist Institute).
• Graduate Certificate in Anti-Racist Curatorial Practice, Tufts University

Biography:

Anthony Cruz Pantojas, MATS, MALS, BCC, (they/them) is the Humanist Chaplain at Tufts University. They joined the University Chaplaincy team in August 2021. In this capacity, Anthony supports the exploration and development of ethical inquiry through co-constructed projects with the campus community. Anthony is also the Coordinator of Africana Spirituality.

Previously, Anthony worked with Faith in the Vaccine, a program under the auspices of the Interfaith Youth Core (Interfaith America). They worked with youth community leaders to inform marginalized communities about the significance of the COVID-19 vaccine and to curate resources that address social stigma. With Faith in the Vaccine, Anthony focused on vaccine hesitancy, as well as led projects promoting civic engagement and critical consciousness through action research and narrative methodologies. Anthony was also a Dignity Project Mentor for the Betty Ann Greenbaum Miller Center for lnterreligious Learning & Leadership at Hebrew College.

Throughout their time at Tufts, Anthony has worked to increase the visibility and impact of the Humanist Chaplaincy, and Humanism at large. Anthony has garnered multiple grants, including from Interfaith America, to support student programming at the interstices of meaningful identity development, ethical leadership, and civic engagement. In 2022, the Humanist Chaplaincy was recognized with the prestigious University Award for Philosophical Diversity from the American Humanist Association. With the University Chaplain, Rev. Elyse Nelson Winger, Anthony also co-advises the Interfaith Student Ambassador Program. 

Anthony is a sought-after speaker and frequently travels domestically and internationally to teach about ethico-politcal praxes centering perspectives from the Global South. With Atheists United, Anthony helped develop and launch the inaugural Kindling the Humanist Spark Summit at Tufts University in the Summer of 2024. This forum seeks to convene emerging Humanist leaders and provide networking opportunities, as well as nurture activist sensibilities. 

Anthony is a confidential resource on campus.