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Monday, Jan. 27, 2025
The Emory Wheel

Huckaby

New Oxford interim chaplain replaces Lyn Pace

Brent Huckaby assumed the role as Oxford College’s interim chaplain this month following Lyn Pace’s (02T, 17T) departure. Pace spent 15 years in the role before leaving Emory University to serve as assistant dean of religious life at Duke University Chapel (N.C.) beginning Jan. 1.

As college chaplain, Pace worked closely with Oxford’s 10 religious and spiritual life clubs, counseled the college community and taught courses on understanding community.

Pace wrote in an email to The Emory Wheel that he has “grown and been challenged” during his time at Oxford.

“There have been highs and lows with plenty to be grateful for,” Pace wrote. “I'll miss how unique Oxford is in higher education as well as how the people who make up this community (students, staff, faculty, alumni, and friends) make it so special.”

Pace wrote that he is excited about new opportunities and joining the Duke community.

“I’m thrilled to work on a team with a common purpose like the one Duke Chapel has, and I am especially excited to expand and deepen the interfaith work there as well as to support all the work of the religious life affiliates who care for students,” Pace wrote. “Getting to lead and preach for the Sunday services at the magnificent Duke Chapel is icing on the cake.”

OxFellowship President Fletcher Martin (25Ox) said he is “sad” to see Pace leave Oxford.

“You could have a conversation with him, just for a long time, and he was just a really great guy to talk to, no matter what religion you were, no matter who you were,” Martin said. “He was just a great guy to get along with.”

Martin added that Pace encouraged collaboration between Oxford religious clubs, which he hopes to see continue under Huckaby’s leadership.

Huckaby serves as the associate pastor for justice, spiritual formation, and young adults at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church located on Emory’s Atlanta campus. He is also an ordained deacon at the North Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Harmon added that Huckaby has served in ministry for over 20 years and is committed to helping people of all backgrounds find meaning and compassion in their lives.

Huckaby wrote in an email to the Wheel that he looks forward to engaging with the Oxford community.

“One of my favorite things about pastoral work is helping people ask good questions and think deeply about who they are, who they want to be, and where they fit in the world,” Huckaby wrote. “That aligns with the work of the chaplain, and getting to do it at a wonderful place like Oxford makes it even better.”

Huckaby noted that he anticipates a smooth transition for the spring and hopes that Pace’s legacy will be “honored.”

“I have very much enjoyed getting to know the people I have met so far, and want to dive right in to make sure the programming and pastoral support continues there,” Huckaby wrote. “Everyone has been welcoming, supportive, and willing to assist in making sure I feel comfortable and am ready to go from day one.”

Oxford will begin the search for a permanent chaplain in early spring of this year, according to Harmon. Martin said he hopes Oxford religious clubs will be involved in the process of hiring the next campus chaplain.