The Rev. Maddie Henderson Herlong

The Reverend Maddie Henderson Herlong was appointed to the position of Christian Chaplain in the Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life in June 2021. Reporting to the Dean of Religious Life and University Chaplain, she supports Christian life at Emory, with special attention to providing progressive ecumenical Protestant ministry for students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Her responsibilities include: leading and coordinating the Beloved Community Christian worship service; offering scripture studies, retreats, spiritual and educational programs, holiday celebrations, pastoral care, rituals and vigils, and connections to service and social justice opportunities; as well as supporting Christian student organizations and religious life affiliates. Maddie seeks to be a resource and an ecumenical connection for all of the vibrant Christian communities at Emory, and she also connects campus with various denominational groups.

Before coming to Emory, Maddie served as a graduate assistant and then the Protestant Chaplain in the Spiritual Life Center at Bentley University in Waltham, MA. There she fostered relationships with students through weekly Bible studies, community building programs, and pastoral meetings.

She earned her Master of Divinity degree at Boston University School of Theology with a focus on chaplaincy. She also recently served the School of Theology as an admissions officer, where she focused on discernment, recruitment, housing, and community building among students.

Prior to divinity school, Maddie taught secondary school English and served as the Director of Community Service at Stratford Academy in Macon, GA. There she implemented a Community Service Fair and an S.O.S. Day (Stratford Out Serving)—a  day of service in the spring semester. Before teaching, Maddie earned a BA in English at Samford University in Birmingham, AL.

Maddie is an ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church. She is eager to bring a passion for ministries of word, service, compassion, and justice to the community at Emory. While she is United Methodist herself, she enjoys interacting in ecumenical and multifaith settings, learning and growing among diverse groups of people.

Maddie grew up in Macon, GA and has been involved in the Vineville United Methodist Church, serving as a youth leader. She was also a member of the Junior League of Macon, and served on the board in 2015-2016.

In her free time, Maddie enjoys meals with friends, watching college football with her family, cross-stitching, reading, writing letters, and baking.

Education

MDiv | Boston University

BA | Samford University