Dr. Gladys Childs has been appointed to serve as full time Chaplain of Texas Wesleyan University effective June 1, 2023. 

Dr. Childs has served as Texas Wesleyan chaplain on a part-time basis for the last several years, while also serving as Associate Professor of Religion and the Dean of Freshman Success. The University is able to appoint a full-time Chaplain as the result of funding from two beneficial trusts managed by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church on behalf of Texas Wesleyan. 

University President Frederick G. Slabach made the appointment with the approval of Bishop Ruben Saenz of the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. 

“I am delighted Dr. Childs has accepted the appointment as University Chaplain on a full-time basis,” said Slabach. “As full time Chaplain, [Dr. Childs] will be able to further enhance religious life on our campus for students, faculty and staff by offering pastoral care, directing religious events and providing interfaith programming. All of these important efforts can boost student enrollment, retention and success.” 

“I am looking forward to returning to this position full-time,” said Childs. “With the current post-COVID-19 needs of our student body, I think the timing couldn’t be better. It will be an honor to serve the campus community in this capacity.” 

Dr. Childs is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. She obtained her M.Div. from Brite Divinity School after having earned a Ph.D. in Foundations of Education from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She also holds an M.A. in Religious Education from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a B.A. with a double major in Counseling and Psychology from Ouachita Baptist University.