We affirm Queens’ ties, established at our founding in 1857, with the Presbyterian
Church (USA). This tradition has embedded core values such as service, intellectual
curiosity, and commitment to the common good in Queens' institutional culture.
Thus the Queens community promotes the civic good by fostering knowledge and nurturing
relationships among people of different religious and philosophical world views. This
pluralistic approach lies at the heart of the transformative educational experience
Queens provides.
Presbyterian Church (USA)
The Presbyterian Church is anchored in the Reformed tradition, which is marked by
historical, theological, and institutional commitments to education for the common good and the
dignity of all people. Thus, our pluralistic approach is because of our heritage,
not in spite of it.
Queens Community
Our community is student-centered, diverse, and inclusive of all people. Thus, our
faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners nurture the student journey through
transformative encounters across all kinds of difference—including religious and philosophical
world views.
The Queens education equips students—in the classroom, on campus, and beyond—to care
for the world to which we belong. Our motto, "Not to be served, but to serve," connects
this goal to Christian tradition while promoting service that extends to all people.
As an academic institution, we value both appreciative inquiry and critical appraisal
as we explore core teachings (book knowledge) as well as the diverse human expression
of those world views (personal and socio-political knowledge).
At Queens, we affirm the deeply relational nature of learning, which extends beyond
academic instruction. Campus organizations such as Belk Chapel, the Stan Greenspon
Center, and DICE (Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement), help build bridges
of understanding and cooperation across different world views.
Members of the Queens community understand "ultimate concerns" in diverse ways. Many
find life's meaning through religious world views, while others do not. Our life together,
both at Queens and in the wider world, depends on our ability to probe and reflect
on our common humanity, in light of shared and disparate views.
Religious pluralism goes beyond mere tolerance to promote conversation and collaboration
across difference. By understanding others on their own terms, we appreciate both
our common values and our distinctive convictions. Pluralism enables us to value one
another, to work together, and to disagree well.
Clubs and Organizations
There are several opportunities for students to contact to religious and spiritual
life clubs and organizations including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Hillel, Interfaith
Leadership Council, Muslim Student Association, and Reformed University Fellowship.
To get connected or to learn about other opportunities, please email belkchapel@queens.edu.
Scholarships Through Belk Chapel
Davies Fellows
The Robert and Pamela Davies Fellowship offers a signature Belk Chapel experience
for students who are committed to exploring religious and spiritual life at Queens
and beyond.
Our Davies fellows learn in both academic and co-curricular settings, serve as campus
leaders, engage in community outreach, and reflect together on faith-based or philosophical
values that shape their lives.
Dr. Adrian Bird Interim University Chaplain, Queens University of Charlotte birda@queens.edu
Adrian comes to Queens after years of cross-cultural, international experience within
the interfaith movement, working collaboratively to build strong and harmonious community
life. Adrian spent ten years at Union Presbyterian Seminary, teaching courses in History
and Interreligious encounters, and served for several years as Chair of Interfaith
Partners of South Carolina. This is an exciting time, as Adrian works with the incredible
chapel team in continuing to create an environment in which students, faculty and
staff may thrive in drawing sustenance from their spiritual traditions and wells.
Drop by Belk Chapel to say hello, find a listening ear, or meditate in a safe and
brave space.
Aisha graduated from UNC Charlotte with a major in biology and minor in psychology.
She came to Queens in February of 2022. She hopes to be able to help create a bridge
between our students and the interfaith community while bringing together individuals
of diverse cultures and backgrounds under one unified community. Aisha is so excited
to be a part of the chapel team. Her door is always open, so feel free to drop in.
Rabbi Judy Schindler Campus Rabbi and Director, Stan Greenspon Center schindlerj@queens.edu
Dr. Alexa Royden Faculty Advisor for Non-religious Students roydena@queens.edu
Dr. Adrian Bird
Aisha Obeid