Andrews Welcomes Chaplain Simona Mills-Pitcher

To the Center for Faith Engagement team

Simona Mills-Pitcher will join the Andrews University community as associate chaplain on July 22, 2024. (Photo by Simona Mills-Pitcher)

Andrews University welcomes new chaplain Simona Mills-Pitcher to the Center for Faith Engagement team. She will begin her new position on July 22, 2024. This exciting addition to the chaplain team marks a significant step in the University’s ongoing commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for spiritual growth, service, mission and helping students to discover their calling.

President John Wesley Taylor V shares, "At Andrews University, faith is at the heart of who we are and what we do. I am delighted that Simona Mills-Pitcher will be joining our Center for Faith Engagement as an associate chaplain. Her passion and commitment to God and His Word will add new and vibrant dimensions to our faith journey."

Mills-Pitcher brings over 20 years of dedicated ministry experience to her new role, demonstrating an unwavering passion for the overlooked, the underestimated and those seeking genuine connection. Her innovative approach to ministry, incorporating music, spoken word and creative elements, has touched lives across continents, including Australia, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, the U.S. and Bermuda. She is also the first Andrews chaplain that has four clinical pastoral education credits, a standard credential within the broader chaplaincy discipline.

Mills-Pitcher’s ministry journey includes serving as the minister of music for the Bermuda Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, transforming the use of music in ministry. As the assistant youth director at Warwick Seventh-day Adventist Church, she designed experiences that nurtured spiritual development and shaped lives. Her diverse roles have equipped her with the skills to approach ministry creatively and effectively, leaving a lasting impact on the communities she has served.

During her tenure at Bermuda Institute of Seventh-day Adventist, Mills-Pitcher interacted with students and staff, promoting academic, spiritual, physical and social wellness. Her holistic approach encouraged individuals to be their best for now and the future, aligning with her belief that every talent can be used to further God's kingdom. Her involvement in the Bermuda Volleyball Association as the referee chair exemplifies her commitment to using her abilities beyond traditional church settings, building relationships and sharing her faith through community engagement.

Throughout her life, Mills-Pitcher has navigated cultural transitions and personal growth, which have enriched her empathy and understanding of others. Her journey from Brooklyn, New York, to Bermuda deepened her connection to diverse communities and led her to embrace new experiences. She is married to Troy Pitcher, and they have a 10-year-old son, Thomas

Frances Faehner, vice president for Campus & Student Life, says, "During the time Simona was on our campus (2007–2010), she not only earned a Master of Divinity degree, she also earned the deep respect of her professors and peers. Simona’s breadth of professional experience includes both the private sector, where she facilitated health and mental health support services, as well as with the Bermuda Institute of Seventh-day Adventist, where she served as a teacher and chaplain. Now, as a seasoned, multi-gifted woman of faith, we joyfully welcome Chaplain Simona Mills-Pitcher back to our Andrews University community and pray that God will continue to bless her with an abundant and fruitful ministry.”

“I am thrilled to join the Center for Faith Engagement and look forward to working with the vibrant and diverse community here,” says Mills-Pitcher. “I am passionate about supporting individuals in their spiritual journeys and fostering an environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued.”

The Center for Faith Engagement serves as a hub for spiritual activities, offering a wide range of programs, including worship services, student missions, calling and purpose, career advising, and community service opportunities. With the addition of Mills-Pitcher, the center aims to expand its reach and deepen its impact, providing even more resources and support for those seeking spiritual guidance and community connection.

“We are excited to welcome Chaplain Simona Mills-Pitcher to our team,” says José Bourget, assistant vice president for faith engagement. “Her unique blend of compassion, experience and vision will greatly enhance our efforts to engage and support our community.”