Chaplains and Staff

Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life

Dean Highbaugh helps meet the religious needs of the College's diverse student body and to integrate the spiritual life of the community into the College's education mission and programs. Students are encouraged to consider larger questions about their purpose and role in this world. As they examine their values and beliefs, they gain a greater appreciation for the values and beliefs of others.

Formerly a member of the faculty at Harvard Divinity School, Dean Highbaugh earned both her doctor of ministry and master of divinity degrees at the Claremont School of Theology and her bachelor's degree in English at Hiram College. At Harvard, she served as chaplain and associate director of ministerial studies. She was formerly the Visiting Davis Chair for Judeo-Christian Values at Ursinus College and prior to that was Associate Chaplain at Yale University. At Yale, she coordinated the work of the Yale Religious Ministry, the umbrella organization for all university religious organizations and faith communities, and worked with undergraduate organizations and with the Yale College Dean's office on student life issues.

Dean Highbaugh works closely with the College's Center for the Comparative Study of Race and Ethnicity, Unity House and the Associate Dean of Institutional Equity and Inclusion. 

chighbau@conncoll.edu Phone: 860-439-2577

Professor of Music and College Organist

Professor Anthony is a member and past dean of the New London County Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and is currently AGO district convener for Connecticut and Rhode Island. He is organist and choirmaster at St. John's Episcopal Church in Niantic, Connecticut.

jpant@conncoll.edu Phone: 860-439-2718

Director of Zachs Hillel House, College Chaplain

Susan Schein was ordained at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and previously served as associate rabbi for Congregation Kol Emet in Yardley, Pa. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and German language and literature from the University of Rochester and a master’s degree in German literature from Washington University in St. Louis. Schein was previously the coordinator for spiritual development at Philadelphia University. She has also served as Hillel director at Bucknell University and program director of the St. Louis Hillel Foundation, where she worked with students at Washington University and other campuses throughout the metropolitan area.

sschein@conncoll.edu Phone: 860-439-5165

Administrative Assistant, Office of Religious and Spiritual Life

lamcg@conncoll.edu Phone: 860-439-2450

Administrative Assistant, Zach Hillel House, Part-Time

sgignac@conncoll.edu Zachs Hillel House

Muslim Chaplain

awad.abdullah@conncoll.edu Phone: 860-439-2450

College Chaplain

cpatiern@conncoll.edu Phone: 860-439-2451; 860-443-0316

College Chaplain

aracelis.vazquez@conncoll.edu Phone: 860-439-2901; 860-629-7762

Director of Zachs Hillel House, College Chaplain

sschein@conncoll.edu Phone: 860-439-5165

College Chaplain

robert.washabaugh@conncoll.edu Phone: 860-439-2452