New Leader in Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices, Rev. Callista Isabelle, Promises a Listening-Forward Approach

“These are polarizing times in our world and sometimes on our campuses,” Rev. Isabelle said, “so we have to be intentional about how we offer our students opportunities for genuine dialogue.”

If this way of thinking sounds like a good way to approach her new job, it’s because Rev. Isabelle has had plenty of experience guiding students through life’s ups and downs on other campuses. An ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, she served for seven years as the inaugural Director of the Office for Religious, Spiritual & Ethical Life at Washington University in St. Louis. Prior to that, she served as Chaplain at Muhlenberg College and was Associate University Chaplain at Yale University. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Gustavus Adolphus College and a master’s degree from Yale Divinity School. Outside of work, she loves to hike with her partner, Geoffrey, and their two dogs.

Rev. Isabelle said her experience at all of these institutions had taught her to employ an interfaith approach to her job. “As a Lutheran pastor, my faith is very important to me,” she said, “and I know I can learn so much from people of all religious backgrounds. I’m inspired by these diverse spiritual practices, how others pray, and how those who lead their lives from a secular perspective navigate the world.”

Rev. Isabelle set a goal of meeting with as many students from as many backgrounds as she can in the initial weeks. “My first plan is to engage with students, to hear what’s on their minds,” she said.

Rev. Isabelle had known her predecessor, Rev. Samuel Speers, for many years and was grateful to him for laying the groundwork for her own journey here, particularly his establishment of Pratt House as a meeting place for students of all faiths and spiritual backgrounds. “I love how Pratt House has become a place where all students can hang out together, some to pray or meditate, others simply to share meals,” she said. “The space has enriched the entire Vassar community.” She was quick to add, however, that she sees her role as one that extends far beyond the walls of Pratt House itself. “I want Pratt House to be the hub, but I also want the spirit of the house to radiate across the campus, in our residence houses, in our classrooms, and in our student organizations,” she said.

Dean of the College Carlos Alamo-Pastrana, who convened the search committee that chose Rev. Isabelle for the job, said two aspects of her career path had made her uniquely qualified for her work at Vassar. “What stood out for me was not only her extensive background in this kind of work in a variety of campus settings,” Alamo-Pastrana said, “but also her ability to connect with people. In these difficult times, it’s crucial to have someone in this position who is able to have people share their experiences.”

In announcing Rev. Isabelle’s selection to the Vassar community, Alamo-Pastrana said the members of the search committee were especially impressed with her support of spiritual student organizations “and the ways she creates welcoming entry points for all students while also helping to facilitate connections and dialogue across profound differences.”

Rev. Isabelle said she was eager to get started. “I’m just excited to be here,” she said. “From the time I began to interact with people here, I saw a deep sense of caring—from my team and from everyone in the Vassar community.”