BUCKHANNON — The president of West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) welcomed Reverend Jonathan Acord to campus as he begins his tenure as Wesleyan’s Director of Religious and Spiritual Life (Campus Chaplain).

“Today, we welcome Jonathan Acord as the new campus Director of Religious and Spiritual Life,” said Dr. Joel Thierstein, WVWC’s President. “Jonathan brings a diverse set of skills to the position. I look forward to working with him.”

Most recently, Acord served as the pastor of the Hoyes-McHenry United Methodist Church Charge, where he has served both churches and the community. He is involved with campus ministry at Garrett College, in partnership with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and other organizations that focus on developing relationships with the students, engaging church members in new outreach to the Garrett College campus and serving as the Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach. Additionally, Acord is a licensed physical therapist.

“I am excited to begin this new chapter serving West Virginia Wesleyan,” Acord said. “I look forward to learning about and facilitating relationships that lead to the growth of spiritual life, mission, and ministry in and with the Wesleyan campus, students, faculty, staff and administration.”

Acord was licensed as a United Methodist pastor in 2019 and is currently working on a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership. Previously, Acord earned a Master of Physical Therapy from West Virginia University in August 2004 and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Performance and Health from West Virginia University in May 2003.

Acord and his wife Dara have two sons, Grant and Owen.