Chaplain
The University Chaplain is responsible for coordinating religious and spiritual life at Furman. In this work the University Chaplain does not represent any one religious tradition, but rather oversees religious and spiritual life on campus including religious-specific programs, interreligious understanding, dialogue and pastoral care; coordinates educational programs on moral, ethical, religious and spiritual issues and leads ecumenical community worship opportunities throughout the year. The University Chaplain also oversees all of the religious groups on campus and acts as a liaison to the Greenville area.
Dr. Vaughn CroweTipton is Associate Vice President for Spiritual Life, University Chaplain, and Associate Professor of Religion. Formerly the senior pastor at Auburn First Baptist Church in Auburn, Alabama, Dr. CroweTipton also taught in the religion department at Auburn University, as well as Mercer University, Brewton-Parker College and Macon College. He has served as senior pastor at Northwest Baptist Church in Ardmore, OK, senior chaplain at Methodist Children's Home in Macon, GA, and pastor of Loveview Baptist Church in Hillsboro, TX. He has published numerous articles, edited several books, and serves as a conference speaker.
A graduate of Mississippi College (B.A.), he holds the M.Div. degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from Baylor University. Dr. CroweTipton has also done postdoctoral study at Oxford University.
Email:
vaughn.crowetipton@furman.eduPhone: 864.294.2133
Chaplaincy Intern 2010-2012
Maria Swearingen is a native of Texas and a graduate of Baylor University '07 (B.A.) and Duke University '10 (M.Div). Fluent in Spanish, Maria has served Huancayo, Peru, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, and Nava, Mexico as well as congregations in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. Maria was a Lectionary Homiletics "Good Preacher Seminarian" finalist in 2009.
Email:
maria.swearingen@furman.edu
Phone: 864.294.2133
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Susan Bennett joined the chaplaincy staff in 1997. As chapel receptionist she is responsible for scheduling meeting spaces, coordinating the chapel calendar, and supervising student staff. Mrs. Bennett's genuine enthusiasm and positive spirit have made her a popular and respected colleague at Furman.
Email:
susan.bennett@furman.edu
Phone: 864.294.2133
Chapel Sexton
Mr. Carroll Huff has been a member of the Furman community since January 1988. As chapel sexton, he is responsible for the chapel's daily maintenance. His gracious spirit underscores the hospitality of this special place. A lifelong resident of Travelers Rest, Mr. Huff served on the City Council for 28 years.