Provost appoints interim chaplain

Provost Stanley Chodorow has selected Rev. Frederic Guyott to serve as interim University chaplain, Guyott confirmed last night. Guyott, a 1971 College graduate, replaces Stanley Johnson, who retired this summer after 34 years in the position. But although Guyott may hold Johnson's title, his role at the University will be quite different. Under Johnson's tenure, the chaplain was primarily a counselor and advisor. In addition, he worked to develop programs addressing concerns such as women's issues and students' sexuality. Guyott, however, intends to deal with many more facets of the University, in accordance with the recommendations made by a committee established upon Johnson's retirement. That committee, chaired by Social Work Professor Jane Lowe, was charged with analyzing the role of a modern university chaplain. The group concluded that the University needed a chaplain who would serve multiple purposes. Guyott said he knows the University well beyond his experiences as a student, since he has worked with the board of the Christian Association during the last two years while at the same time serving as an assistant to the vicar at the Church of St. Andrew & St. Monica, located just six blocks from campus at 36th and Baring streets. "Coming back to my own university is a very special thing," Guyott said. Guyott said he expects to remain in the interim position for at least the rest of this semester, adding that the search for a permanent chaplain could last the entire year. And, he said, he is considering applying for the permanent position. Guyott added that he plans to resign from the CA's board because the University chaplain "needs to show no partiality." The Episcopalian minister added that he was looking forward to developing the new aspects of the chaplaincy advocated by Lowe's committee. "The chaplain, because of his or her neutrality, could be both visible and proactive," Lowe said, adding that the committee thought the chaplain should focus on issues of diversity, community and religious tolerance. But Lowe said the chaplain should be a more central figure in the University. "There have been many difficult community issues here and appointing a chaplain who would have an active role in promoting discussions around these issues would help University life," Lowe said. And Guyott expressed a readiness to work with the entire University community in his expanded role. "These are goals which I believe are all appropriate and all achievable," he said. Lowe said the position will still include pastoral responsibilities and coordinating the various religious associations on campus. And Guyott said he also hopes to improve the dialogue between those groups "who seek to minister all of the spiritual needs of the University." Before becoming a minister in 1993, Guyott, who majored in American Civilization as an undergraduate, worked as a stockbroker and then in the securities industry until 1990. After receiving his Masters degree in Divinity from the Episcopal Divinity School in Massachusetts, Guyott came to Philadelphia. His work with St. Andrew & St. Monica has included outreach programs with both the University and Drexel University.