Meet the QuadEx Chaplains

Rev. Prasert Ammartek (he/him/his) is the Buddhist Chaplain at Duke, starting in August 2023. He takes over from Francesca Morfesis, leading the Buddhist Meditation Community and offering education on campus around mindfulness, meditation, and other learnings of Buddhism. Born in Bangkok, Thailand, he served many years as a Buddhist monk and teacher, before moving to the United States and serving in the military. He now lives in Wake Forest with his family. He has extensive experience as an army and hospital chaplain and recently was promoted to Major in the Armed Forces.

Chaplain Priya Amaresh (she/her/hers) is the Hindu Chaplain at Duke, who started in August 2021. Born in Bangladore, India, she grew up in Flint, Michigan, trained in education at University of Michigan, before eventually moving to North Carolina. She serves on the board of the North American Hindu Chaplains Association. She is a practitioner of Hatha Yoga, a believer in Sanatana Dharma, a promoter of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, and an advocate for environmental activism— who also leads yoga classes at DuWell!

Rabbi Elana Friedman (she/her/hers) is the Jewish Chaplain and Campus Rabbi at Duke University. She has served in many previous roles, from environmental activist to education director at a local camp, before joining Jewish Life at Duke in 2015. Born in Long Island, Rabbi Elana was educated and ordained at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Philadelphia. Recently she was awarded the Algernon Sullivan Sydney Award for outstanding commitment to service. Along with Rev. Kathryn, she convenes the Interfaith Roundtable for religious leaders on campus. She is also a musician, who hosts a radio show on WXDU.

Rev. Racquel C. N. Gill (she/her/hers) is the Minister for Intercultural Engagement at Duke Chapel, having joined the Chapel staff in March 2022. A native of Winnsboro, South Carolina, she is also a graduate of Duke Divinity School and an ordained Baptist clergy, who is frequently invited to preach for conferences and congregations. Rev. Gill previously served as the Jack and Jane Presseau Associate Chaplain at Presbyterian College, in Clinton, South Carolina, as well as a local church leader in Brooklyn, New York. On campus, her ministries include running the Theology Underground conversation series and supervising the United in Praise student gospel choir.

As the Assistant Dean of Religious Life, the Rev. Dr. Lyn Pace (he/him) helps facilitate the work of the twenty-two religious groups at Duke as well as coordinate the QuadEx Chaplains program. A lifelong United Methodist, Rev. Dr. Pace was ordained an elder in the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church in 2005. His first book was released in 2022, The Sacred Year: A Contemplative Journey through the Liturgical Year. He’s currently co-authoring his second book (to be published by University of Georgia Press) about the spirituality found in the music of Jimmy Buffett. Prior to coming to Duke, Rev. Dr. Pace was the college chaplain at Oxford College of Emory University for almost sixteen years. In that role, he facilitated the work of ten religiously diverse student groups, led a travel program and retreats, taught classes and was an academic advisor, and oversaw the religious life of the college. 

Chaplain Joshua Salaam (“Bro Jo”) (he/him/his) is the Muslim Chaplain at Duke University. Before coming to Duke in July 2018, he worked in a variety of roles, including serving in the U.S. Airforce and as a police officer. He has worked in community activism, served on council for American-Islamic Relations, and led youth programs at a large masjid in northern Virginia. In 2021, he completed his Doctorate in Ministry from Hartford Peace University. Along the way, he has continued to perform with his popular band, Native Deen! He is known for his pancakes made for the Fajr Breakfast Club each Wednesday at the Center for Muslim Life.