October 1, 2024

Wheeling University Welcomes a New Chaplain/Director of Campus Ministry

Wheeling, W.Va., October 1 – Rev. David R. Griffin has joined the Wheeling University community as the new chaplain and director of Campus Ministry.

Fr. Griffin, a Benedictine priest/monk from the Saint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, will oversee the Campus Ministry program and serve the students’ spiritual needs at the University. 

“Wheeling University, founded as a Catholic Institution of higher learning, has a strong tradition of faith and service rooted in the Gospel. I am excited to join the Wheeling community, inviting all students to share their talents and gifts, to grow in their Faith and to contribute to the mission of the University through campus ministry,” Fr. Griffin said. “My goal is to encourage greater participation in our liturgies, scripture studies and outreach programs, enlisting student input and leadership. The enthusiasm and pride of the student body is contagious.” 

Fr. Griffin comes to Wheeling University after 23 years of service at Penn State University. At Penn State, he not only worked in campus ministry, but served as rector of the community. During his time at the University, Fr. Griffin founded Mission Mexico, a Catholic mission trip where students would serve the needs of a Catholic orphanage in that country. From 2002 to 2019, hundreds of Penn State students participated in this mission trip.

A graduate of Saint Vincent’s with a bachelor’s degree in history, Fr. Griffin also holds a Master of Divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary. He did additional graduate studies at Loyola University and Providence College. He made his Solemn profession of vows in 1975 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1976.

Following his ordination, Fr. Griffin was assigned to the faculty of Benedictine Military School in Savannah, Georgia. During his tenure at the school, he served in various roles, including Headmaster, a position he held from 1986-1994. Fr. Griffin returned to Saint Vincent College in 1994 where he served as director of Campus Ministry, a residence hall director and assistant varsity soccer coach. He also served on the College’s Board of Directors from 1986-1994.

Rev. Paul Taylor, president of Saint Vincent College, re-appointed Fr. Griffin to the College’s Board of Directors earlier this year.Wheeling University President, Dianna M. Vargo, Ed.D., said, “Fr. David is a wonderful addition to the Wheeling University family. In the short time he has been on campus, Fr. David has made an impact in the lives of our students. He is teaching a First Year Experience class and offering counsel to those in need. Father is an avid sports fan and can be found in the stands cheering on our Cardinal sports teams.”