Bishop Dan Schwerin is glad to announce the appointment of Rev. Max Blalock as the new chaplain for North Central College, Naperville, effective July 1. This position is under the leadership of the Northern Illinois Conference’s Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry, in partnership with North Central College.

"I’m thrilled to welcome the Rev. Max Blalock as chaplain of North Central College,” said Rev. Daniel Cochran, chair of the conference BHECM. “His extensive experience in the challenging mission field of campus ministry will be a blessing to NCC students, faculty, and staff as well as to our conference.

“In a time of contentious political polarization, Rev. Blalock brings a strong track record of ecumenical and interfaith work that celebrates diversity and encourages the formation of young disciples who fulfill The United Methodist Church’s new vision statement, to 'love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously.'”

Rev. Blalock brings nineteen years of experience in campus ministry to this position. A native of Alabama, he most recently served as the United Methodist campus minister at the [College of] William & Mary Wesley Foundation in Williamsburg, Va.

In that role, he brought together a team of students, faculty, staff, and community members to start the first campus food pantry. He says that as a follower of Jesus, he is passionate about building communities where people are empowered to work for the common good, especially for those who are most marginalized and oppressed.

"To say I am excited to serve as the chaplain at North Central doesn't begin to describe how I feel,” 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 Annual Conference, show that we are going to do amazing ministry together.

“Furthermore, 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."

Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer, NIC’s director of connectional ministries, said, “I’m grateful to welcome Rev. Blalock. His deep commitment, spiritual insight, and compassionate leadership will continue to strengthen the bond between the college and our conference.

“His ministry will not only enrich the North Central community but also deepen our collective journey, reminding us of the sacred work we do together.”

Max and his partner, Becky, have two sons, James, 18, and Daniel, 14. An ordained elder, he is a graduate of the Claremont School of Theology, Los Angeles.