We are the University Chaplaincy - we are here for you.
Reporting to the University President, the University Chaplain leads the chaplaincy team, which currently includes an Africana Spirituality advisor, Buddhist chaplain, Catholic chaplain, Hindu advisor, Humanist chaplain, Jewish chaplain, Muslim chaplain, and Protestant chaplain. They serve the whole Tufts community – including those without a religious or philosophical affiliation – as well as their particular chaplaincies. The team also includes program and administrative staff, a music director, and student workers. Together, the office supports student communities, interfaith organizations, and university-wide programming. Chaplains are all confidential resources on campus, and serve the entire Tufts community.
In Summer 2024, we began the search process for our new Muslim Chaplain and Buddhist Chaplain. Please email the University Chaplaincy with any related questions. We will begin a search for a new Hindu Chaplain this academic year.
The Rev. Elyse Nelson Winger became the University Chaplain in October 2020. She leads the University Chaplaincy team in supporting all religious, spiritual, and philosophical life at Tufts; educates about spiritual and ethical issues in society and the world; and coordinates pastoral care, multifaith initiatives, and strategic partnerships around the university and beyond. Elyse is the University Chaplaincy liaison to Student Life, Tisch College, the Department of Religion, the Office of Equal Opportunity, the Office of Residential Life and Learning's Residential Life Coordinator (RLC) team, and the Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.
The Reverend Daniel Bell was appointed Protestant Chaplain at Tufts University in August of 2016. As a member of the University Chaplaincy team, Dan is dedicated to enriching the spiritual and ethical lives of all those affiliated with Tufts, with a focus on the Protestant community. He works closely with the Tufts Protestant Students Association to develop the ecumenical Protestant community on campus. Dan works with students to coordinate worship services, spiritual formation activities, service and social justice projects, and ecumenical and interfaith initiatives. He also provides pastoral care to students, faculty, and staff. Dan is the University Chaplaincy liaison to the Health Sciences Campus Wellness Office, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, and the LGBT Center.
Rabbi Naftali Brawer was appointed Tufts’ Jewish Chaplain and Neubauer Executive Director of Tufts Hillel in May 2018. Before coming to Tufts, Naftali was Chief Executive of the Spiritual Capital Foundation, a London-based think tank and consultancy on the centrality of values in organizations. Prior to that role, he was Senior Rabbi to the Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue in Northwest London, one of the largest Jewish congregations in Europe, with close to 1300 members.Naftali is the University Chaplaincy liaison to Dining Services.
Lynn Cooper, A02 was appointed Catholic Chaplain in 2008. Since then Lynn has served the spiritual and sacramental needs of our diverse campus community. Lynn seeks to serve those who are united in Catholic life and worship, those who are attracted to the Catholic faith, and the larger Tufts community. Pastoral counseling, spiritual direction, retreats, study groups, and prayer groups extend this ministry to the many dimensions of the lives of students and others in the university community. Lynn also serves as the University Chaplaincy's Associate Director, assisting the University Chaplain with strategy and planning, and leading educational programming. Lynn is the University Chaplaincy liaison to the Counseling and Mental Health Services (CMHS), the Women's Center, Athletics, and the Office of Residential Life and Learning's Residential Life Coordinator (RLC) team.
Anthony Cruz Pantojas was appointed Humanist Chaplain in Summer 2021. As Humanist Chaplain, Anthony supports the Humanist Community at Tufts (HCAT), offers pastoral care, and works alongside the University Chaplaincy team and campus partners on various interfaith, intercultural, social justice, and anti-racism initiatives. Anthony is the University Chaplaincy liaison to the Africana Center, Latinx Center, GLAD-C, SMFA, and Tisch Library.
Khan Asfandyar Shairani was appointed Muslim Chaplain in Fall 2024. As the Muslim Chaplain, Khan supports the Muslim Community at Tufts, offers pastoral care, and works alongside the University Chaplaincy team. Khan seeks to serve the diverse Tufts campus community and campus partners in his capacity as a scholar-practitioner of peace, and with his academic background in the diverse traditions of the Islamic world. Before coming to Tufts, Khan was finishing up his Ph.D. in Peace Studies and History at the University of Notre Dame, where he helped conduct international cultural exchange programs between religious scholars in the Indian subcontinent and Notre Dame undergraduates and served as a translator and coordinator for the Madrasa Discourses Project.
Nora Bond joined the University Chaplaincy team in December 2019 as Program Manager. She coordinates programs and outreach efforts to integrate University Chaplaincy with all areas of the university and with external partners. Nora develops and manages departmental outreach and communication strategies for the University Chaplaincy to establish lively engagement with undergraduates, graduate students, staff, faculty, and local organizations. She is charged with overseeing the signature events of the University Chaplaincy, and she supervises the incredible student staff team who work with the office. Nora is the University Chaplaincy Liaison to the Office of Campus Life and to the School of Arts and Engineering Advising Deans.
Lindsey joined the University Chaplaincy Team in July 2021 as Administrative Coordinator. She provides specialized support to the University Chaplain and to the Chaplaincy to assist in running programs and helping to fulfill the Chaplaincy's mission and goals.
Suzanne joined the team as Music Director in September 2022. She works with the Catholic and Protestant communities and provides musical accompaniment at University Chaplaincy signature events.
