Shelton to Join Millsaps College as Chaplain and Director of Student Religious Life

Millsaps College announced that Rev. Dr. Joey Shelton, photo right,  will assume the role of chaplain and director of church relations, effective July 1, 2017. Shelton is currently serving as the senior pastor of Galloway United Methodist Church in Jackson, a position he has held since January 2008.

"This is such an exciting opportunity for Millsaps College, and we are looking forward to Rev. Shelton joining us on campus," said Dr. Robert W. Pearigen, president of Millsaps. "Joey brings to the position not only a wealth of pastoral experiences in the Church and in higher education but also a deep knowledge of, and commitment to, Millsaps. This selection represents a major development in our strategic plan's goal to strengthen our partnership and affiliation with The United Methodist Church."

"I have four professional and vocational loves: the Mississippi Conference of The United Methodist Church, the Center for Ministry, Galloway United Methodist Church and Millsaps College," said Shelton. "The opportunity to serve the convergences of these great loves is extremely humbling. I covet prayers for all."

Bishop James Swanson Sr. of the United Methodist Conference of Mississippi supported the opportunity for Shelton to transition to Millsaps.
 
"Dr. Shelton has served Galloway United Methodist Church faithfully and fruitfully for the last nine years," Swanson said. "I have every confidence that he will be an excellent addition to the leadership team of Millsaps College. He is uniquely qualified to serve both the church and the higher education community. As Joey serves in this new position as chaplain and director of church relations, I believe he will enrich the relationship between the Mississippi Conference and Millsaps College. For this reason, I am glad to make this appointment."

Shelton is a 1982 graduate of Millsaps College, and earned his law degree at the University of Mississippi School of Law. He also earned a Master of Divinity degree from The Divinity School at Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Columbia Theological Seminary.

Shelton serves on the board of Mississippi Methodist Senior Services, Inc., and is in his final year of service on the Millsaps College Board of Trustees, where he is the current chair of the Academic Affairs Committee. He is married to the Rev. Dr. Connie Mitchell Shelton, and they have two daughters.