Stetson has named Rev. Jeremy L. Carlton, PhD, as University Chaplain and Director of Religious and Spiritual Life — bringing an accomplished educator, scholar, and minister dedicated to student development and inclusive community building. Carlton will be leading a new team with Rebekah Ford as the Hillel Program Director for Jewish Life and Interfaith Engagement, Rev. Claire Jasper-Crafter, EdD as an Assistant Chaplain, and Robert Garcia as a Catholic Campus Minister.

Carlton joins Stetson from Southern Oregon University, where he has served as Senior Lecturer in the School of Business since 2018 and as department chair from 2020 to 2023. His work has centered on teaching ethics and philosophy, mentoring students, and building collaborative partnerships across campus. Prior to Southern Oregon, Carlton held administrative and student support roles at other universities and served in the United States Air Force.

Carlton holds a doctorate in Theology and Religion with a focus on applied ethics from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, a Master of Divinity from Wake Forest University, and a Master of Business Administration in management from Marylhurst University.

In addition to his academic roles, Carlton has served in pastoral ministry in numerous Baptist congregational settings and has remained actively engaged in community service initiatives, including food security and community outreach programs. Throughout his career, Carlton has fostered spaces where students of diverse religious, spiritual and nonreligious identities can explore questions of meaning, purpose and belonging. His experience spans higher education, congregational ministry and community engagement, with a consistent emphasis on dialogue, care and holistic student support.

“Dr. Carlton brings a thoughtful, student-centered approach to spiritual life that reflects Stetson’s deep commitment to inclusion, dialogue and belonging,” said Larry Correll-Hughes, associate vice president of campus life. “His experience in higher education, combined with his pastoral background, will help strengthen opportunities for students to explore meaning and purpose while building a supportive and compassionate campus community.”

“I am deeply honored and genuinely excited to join Stetson University in July as the new University Chaplain and Director of Religious and Spiritual Life,” Carlton said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve this vibrant community and to help cultivate spaces of belonging, reflection, compassion, and meaningful dialogue across traditions and perspectives. I look forward to walking alongside students, faculty and staff as we nurture spiritual growth, care for one another, and engage the important questions that shape our lives and communities.”

Rebekah Ford will join the university as Hillel Program Director for Jewish Life and Interfaith Engagement. Currently serving as Hillel Program Director and a Campus Chaplain at the University of North Florida, Ford has been deeply involved in their local Jewish and interfaith community, and has a passion for Jewish learning and interfaith work. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Conservation and Recreation from the University of Florida.

Additionally, Stetson is expanding its chaplaincy team. Rev. Claire Jasper-Crafter, EdD, will serve as part-time Assistant Chaplain, a role made possible through the generosity of alumni donors. Jasper-Crafter brings a long career of bi-vocational ministry in the Christian Methodist Episcopal tradition alongside her experience as an accomplished K–12 teacher and administrator.

Jasper-Crafter holds a Doctorate in Education for Learning Organizations and Strategic Change from Lipscomb University and Master of Education degrees from both Tennessee State University and Trevecca Nazarene University. She has also served the Stetson community over the past year as a volunteer chaplain.

Robert Garcia will continue in his role as part-time Catholic Campus Minister, supported by alumni donors and the Catholic Diocese of Orlando, ensuring continued pastoral care and engagement for Catholic students. Garcia holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Universidad Interamericana in Puerto Rico and a Certificate in Theology and Ministry from Loyola University New Orleans.

Together, this team will work collaboratively with community members to support a vibrant, multifaith and inclusive environment while expanding opportunities for spiritual exploration, interfaith dialogue and community connection across campus.

Note: Interested in supporting students through the work of Rev. Carlton and Stetson Religious and Spiritual Life? If so, please contact Tara Hamilton at [email protected], or Larry Correll-Hughes at [email protected].