Powery becomes first black dean of Duke Chapel

The Reverend Dr. Luke A Powery will become the new dean of Duke Chapel, President Brodhead announced Thursday.

Powery, who will start in his new position Sept. 1, will be the first black dean of the Chapel. Powery was selected from an international pool of about 130 candidates, according to a Duke news release.

Since 2006, he has served as the Perry and Georgia Engle assistant professor of homiletics at the Princeton Theological Seminary and has lectured and taught at numerous other institutions.

Powery will succeed Samuel Wells, who returned to England this summer to become vicar of St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London. Wells served as the Chapel dean for seven years.

"Luke Powery is a compelling preacher whose gifts of mind and heart will be evident to all who hear him," Brodhead said in the release. "He will give a powerful presence to the life of the spirit and will connect with every part of our community—students, faculty, staff and our Durham neighbors."

Powery was selected by a 14-member search committee of faculty, students and congregation members. Robert Lischer, James T. and Alice Cleland professor of preaching, served as chair.

As dean, he will oversee the Chapel's staff of about 25 and several student interns and work to help students, faculty and staff to connect their spiritual and academic lives.