BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Illinois Wesleyan University has appointed the Rev. Elyse Nelson Winger as the new University chaplain. She will begin her duties Aug. 1.
“The IWU community will be well served by Chaplain Nelson Winger’s strong background and experience, as well as her proven commitment to diversity and social justice,” said Kathy Cavins-Tull, IWU vice president for student affairs and dean of students.
According to Cavins, the Rev. Nelson Winger’s service and work in Africa and the Middle East aligns strongly with Illinois Wesleyan’s mission toward inspiring global connectivity. The Rev. Nelson Winger has worked as an interim director of the Joint Relief Ministry’s English program for refugees and displaced persons from Sudan and the Horn of Africa. She has participated in interfaith and ecumenical ministerial associations for education, fellowship and community development, and led a task force to advocate for peace and justice initiatives in the Middle East. Locally, the Rev. Nelson Winger has been active in the Advocate BroMenn Delegate Church Association and as a member of the governing board of the Community Cancer Center.