George Fox University Names Rev. Daniel Parham as Next Dean of Spiritual Life and University Pastor

Experienced higher education leader and ordained minister to oversee campus ministry, chapel programming, and spiritual formation starting Dec. 14

NEWBERG, Ore. — George Fox University has named Rev. Daniel Parham as its new dean of spiritual life and university pastor. Parham brings more than a decade of extensive higher education leadership, student success advocacy, and pastoral ministry experience to the university. He will officially begin his new role on Dec. 14.

Parham succeeds Dr. Jamie Johnson, who stepped down to accept the position of vice president of student life & formation at Point Loma Nazarene University.

"We are thrilled to welcome Daniel Parham as our next dean of spiritual life and university pastor," said Vice President for Student Life and Athletics Dr. Brad Lau. “Daniel pairs a pastoral heart with proven, seasoned leadership in Christian higher education. His passion for holistic discipleship, deep commitment to student flourishing, and vibrant, collaborative energy make him uniquely gifted to nurture the faith and spiritual formation of our students and the broader campus community."

Parham joins George Fox with a background in university administration and campus ministry. He previously served as the dean of students and deputy Title IX coordinator at Indiana Wesleyan University, where he oversaw student conduct, campus police and retention initiatives, Title IX case investigation and resolution, and programs designed to support student well-being.

Prior to his work in Indiana, Parham spent nearly a decade at Biola University in various leadership capacities, including director of undergraduate retention and success. During his tenure at Biola, he spearheaded university-wide student retention initiatives and co-led the Iron Sharpens Iron (ISI) affinity group to support male students of color.

An ordained elder in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), Parham has served in denominational and local church ministry for more than 10 years, teaching, preaching and supporting national worship planning. He is currently completing his Master of Divinity (MDiv) at Duke Divinity School as a Black Church Studies Fellow and Duke University Chapel Scholar. Parham also holds a master’s degree in Christian education and a bachelor’s degree in biblical and theological studies from Biola University.

In his new role, Parham will oversee the university’s chapel programs, pastoral care, spiritual formation initiatives, and ministry outreach, leading students, faculty and staff in communal worship and Christian discipleship.

"I'm honored to join George Fox and lead alongside the amazing Spiritual Life team," said Parham. "What a gift it will be to witness the Spirit of Christ beautifully walk alongside students and the broader community as we journey together."

George Fox University, Oregon’s largest private university, is a U.S. News & World Report “Best National University,” enrolling more than 4,000 students across its Newberg campus, regional centers in Portland and Redmond, and online. The institution offers more than 60 undergraduate programs and 21 graduate degrees. George Fox is a leader in flexible education, featuring accelerated online bachelor’s degrees tailored for working adults.

Contact: 

Carly Reumann

creumann@georgefox.edu

503-554-2101