New Minister for Intercultural Engagement

Duke University Chapel welcomes the Rev. Racquel C.N. Gill as its new Minister for Intercultural Engagement, beginning March 1. In her role, Rev. Gill will offer spiritual guidance, mentorship, care, and programming to students, particularly students of color, at Duke and also deepen relationships between the Chapel and campus cultural and identity centers.

“At a time when Duke continues to strive for greater racial equity across the university, this new Chapel position—and the presence and work of Rev. Gill—will be a gift to students and the entire community,” Duke Chapel Dean Luke A. Powery said. “Her integrated ministerial knowledge and practice will affirm the dignity, worth, and gifts of all students as she nurtures their spiritual lives. I am excited and confident that she will embody the Chapel’s vision of responding to the all-inclusive love of God in ways that we have not yet even imagined.”

Rev. Gill comes to Duke Chapel from Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, where she is the endowed Jack and Jane Presseau Associate Chaplain and also serves as a temporary member at large and pulpit supply minister for the Trinity Presbytery. An ordained Baptist minister, she previously served on the pastoral staff at the St. Paul Community Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York. She grew up in Winnsboro, South Carolina, and is a graduate of Duke Divinity School.

“I’m grateful to return to a place that played such an integral role in my own development,” Rev. Gill said. "My time at Presbyterian College has shown me the joy of journeying with amazing students of diverse backgrounds and providing a place of belonging as they seek to become the best versions of themselves. I’m excited to join this incredible team at Duke Chapel in such a sacred mission.”

On the Chapel staff, Rev. Gill will be part of the Ministry Team, which leads the Chapel’s worship services, nurtures students’ faiths, supports campus Religious Life groups, and serves with community partners in Durham. As part of the team, she will be a leader in the worship life of the Chapel, including advising the United in Praise student gospel choir, and will collaborate with campus colleagues on racial-equity initiatives.

“We are thrilled to have Rev. Gill join the ministry team,” said Rev. Bruce Puckett, assistant dean of the Chapel. “She has demonstrated great capacity for connecting with students and creating and leading programs, and I'm confident she will enhance the Chapel's work with students in general and students of color in particular.”

When she arrives on campus, Rev. Gill’s office will be in the lower level of the Chapel.