North Central Welcomes a New Chaplain

Rev. Max Blalock has been appointed as North Central College’s new chaplain, effective July 1, 2025. Rev. Blalock brings 19 years of experience in campus ministry to this position, most recently as the campus minister at the College of William & Mary’s Wesley Foundation in Williamsburg, Va. The appointment was made by Bishop Dan Schwerin, who leads both the Northern Illinois Conference and the Wisconsin Conference of The United Methodist Church (UMC). Bishop Schwerin also serves as a member of the North Central College Board of Trustees. The College’s chaplain position exists in partnership with the UMC’s Northern Illinois Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry.

“I’d like to thank our partners with the United Methodist Church’s Northern Illinois Conference, including Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer and Bishop Schwerin,” said Abiódún “G-P” Gòkè-Pariolá, president of North Central College. “Rev. Blalock will be a wonderful addition to our community and spiritual resource for our students, faculty and staff. He is known for his compassionate leadership, community building, and commitment to the common good.”

The search committee to fill the chaplaincy was led by Dr. Perry Hamalis, Cecelia Schneller Mueller professor of religion and professor of religious studies. The process engaged candidates in various interviews and forums on campus.

Upon his appointment, Rev. Blalock said: “The community that I have already experienced and the support that I have received from the College, as well as the Northern Illinois Conference, show that we are going to do amazing ministry together. Serving at a college that truly supports first-generation students, student veterans, and so many more, demonstrates that North Central is a community that lives out its values of caring for one another and acting with integrity. To say that I am excited to serve as the chaplain at North Central doesn't begin to describe how I feel.”

Rev. Blalock is a native of Alabama and a graduate of the Claremont School of Theology in Los Angeles. He and his partner, Becky, have two sons, James, 18, and Daniel, 14.