Eric Doolittle
University Chaplain & Director, Kay Spiritual Life Center
SA | Kay Spiritual Life Center
Degrees
Master of Divinity, Wesley Theological Seminary
Bachelor of Sacred Music, Illinois Wesleyan University
Bio
Chaplain Eric Doolittle comes from a multi-generation United Methodist family from Appalachia seeking joy and fullness of life for all people in their journey of belief and faith. Over his twenty years in ministry, he has helped people from Atheists to Zoroastrians as they explore the deeper implications of their lifestance on vocation, purpose, and meaning. Before joining American University, Rev. Doolittle served as the Chaplain of the College at North Central College for ten years, and served at Georgetown University School of Law, Hiwassee College, and several United Methodist congregations in East Tennessee. As the University Chaplain and Director of the Kay Spiritual Life Center, Chaplain Eric connects the university community to the world through a wide variety of faith and justice advocacy resources. He says, “I’m really looking forward to learning about the incredible religious diversity of our students and campus, especially the work of our Community Partners and student organizations. AU is already a historic leader in interfaith and multifaith campus life and I’m honored to be welcomed at the 12th University Chaplain.”
Serving as an Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church from the Holston Annual Conference, he is a member of the Association for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Life in Higher Education (ACSLHE), the United Methodist Campus Ministry Association, a chaplaincy expert for the UMC General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, the NIC Commission on Church Unity and Interreligious Relationships and has been an active leader in interfaith cooperation in his community.
“Both the teachings of Jesus and the practices of the United Methodist Church encourage us to find connection, practice love, and intentionally welcome those we encounter in the world. My hope is to continue to foster a deeper sense of Wesleyan values and ideals - like the General Rules to Do No Harm, Do Good, and Stay Connected - alongside a sense of inclusion and belonging for everyone at KSLC, in my public role, and in individual conversations.”
In his spare time, Chaplain Eric is a blacksmith with RAWtools, an organization embodying God’s vision of turning swords to plowshares by decommissioning firearms and transforming them into garden tools. A dedicated hiker, he has completed 200 miles of the Appalachian Trail and visited 40 national parks. Chaplain Eric is also an avid nerd – enjoying LEGO, sci-fi, and board games.
