Valparaiso University Names Next ELCA University Pastor

The Rev. Katherine Museus Dabay, M.A., M.Div., will join Valparaiso University as University pastor on Jan. 4, 2021. She is an ordained pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Southeastern Synod. Museus Dabay comes to Valpo from St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Franklin, Tennessee, where she most recently served as associate pastor.

At St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Museus Dabay has contributed to the expansion of community activities, including growth in fellowship groups, Sunday school classes, outreach ministries, the music program and special events. These activities have been impacted through facilitating small groups, actively supporting the work of lay-led groups with resources, connecting volunteers, sharing information, listening to the needs and ideas of the congregation, being willing to try new things and reaching out to visitors to help them feel connected.

“When I visited Valpo, I was so impressed by the leadership of the students. I saw their passion for service, community and worship. The leadership opportunities that Valpo offers these students is a gift to the Church as a whole and to the communities these young adults will join in the future,” Museus Dabay said. “I am thrilled to be joining the team that helps students grow in faith and discover their vocations.”

Museus Dabay earned a bachelor of arts in theatre from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 2010; a master of divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2013; and a master of arts in church history from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 2014. She was ordained into the ministry in 2015.

“Pastor Kate’s experience in lively liturgical worship, calm leadership in a fast-paced environment, sensitivity to inter-Lutheran difference and ability to draw students into participation and leadership make her an ideal pastor to join our campus ministry,” said Colette Irwin-Knott, interim president. “Her talents and interests have equipped her to provide excellent pastoral care for Valparaiso University’s diverse, engaged, multi-faith community. We look forward to welcoming Pastor Kate to Valpo and supporting her as she further enhances our campus ministry.”

Museus Dabay will work collaboratively with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod University Pastor James Wetzstein, M.Div. Centered in Christ, the ministry of the Chapel of the Resurrection proclaims God’s love, serves students, faculty, staff and the wider community and welcomes all.