“I can sing a lot of things I can’t say,” says Shaun Whitehead, associate chaplain at St. Lawrence. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, Whitehead worshipped in the Black Baptist tradition – one that grew out of slavery and is very heavily rooted in the gospel tradition.

Before graduating from Chicago’s McCormick Theological Seminary in 2003, Whitehead earned a degree in mass communications with a minor in broadcast management from Clark Atlanta University, now called Clark College. She worked in radio for 14 years, but went on to use music to aid her in a different kind of calling; in fall 2003, she arrived at St. Lawrence as a worship leader.

Every Sunday at five o’clock, Whitehead leads a progressive Christian worship service in the University chapel, an event full of music and congregational singing featuring the University’s Gospel Choir. She has also taught a First-Year Program course, “Amazing Grace,” which focuses on the black church in white America. “To be in a largely white community that not only receives but celebrates the piece of diversity that I bring is a wonderful experience,” Whitehead says. Her gratitude serves to remind her of the importance of celebrating differences. She is proud to testify that the Gospel Choir has throughout the years consisted of Christians, Hindus and Buddhists, and this year acquired its first Muslim student.

Whitehead is also a contributor to the multi-faith advisors council on campus. “It’s important that there is a place for everyone,” she says. She is an advisor to Amnesty International, serves as a crisis counselor, and is an active part of the campus’s Spiritual and Religious Life Committee, where she strives to support those who are wrestling with their thoughts on spirituality.