Keuka College selected the Rev. Eric R. Detar to be its new chaplain.

The College chaplain search “involved many campus members, including faculty, staff, students and the Spiritual Life Advisory Board,” according to Dean of Students Jim Blackburn.

Detar has experience serving a college community. For the last three years, in his position as associate pastor at Grace United Methodist Church in Indiana, Pa., Detar fulfilled the role of campus minister to the students at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP).

“As such, Eric was a member of the University’s Interfaith Council and worked closely with IUP student affairs staff to provide ministerial and pastor services to students of all faith traditions,” said Blackburn.

In recognition of his “dedication to developing campus ministries” in Pennsylvania’s Western Conference, the General Board of Higher Education & Ministry for the United Methodist Church of America honored Detar with its Francis Ashbury Award in April.  

Prior to his work at Grace United Methodist Church and IUP, Detar served as pastor for New  Stanton United Methodist Church in Pittsburgh for nine years. He earned a Master of Divinity degree from the Theological School at Drew University in 1997.  

                             _{Rev. Eric Detar speaks at Keuka 's 9/11 service.}