The Spiritual Life Department on campus grew this year, adding a new role:the assistant director of spiritual life. 

The introduction of Ben Gladden to the team has allowed for the logistical work that is usually left for Roger Gordon, director of spiritual life and college chaplain, to be split up between the two of them. 

“On the one hand, the work I was doing by myself was unsustainable. I was just doing a lot, a lot, a lot of work, so I needed help, and I think Principia recognized that…There is also more of a need to support spiritual growth, and spiritual culture building on campus, so that everyone feels supported and like they belong,” Gordon said. 

As Gladden’s family is in a transition phase while his youngest son finishes his senior year of high school back on the East Coast, he is set to work on campus for about half the year and the rest remotely, switching off in 10-day increments. He and his family will make the official move next summer, and Gladden said he is looking forward to being out here full time.

“I feel like I’m just kind of getting to know some people, recognize people, and it’d be nice to continue that,” he said.  

Gladden said he has been brainstorming how to connect with more students using what he calls his “Table of Wisdom.” This is where he sits in The Pub or on the Pub Patio, with a sign that shows he is there and available for anyone who would like to talk. He said he’s not picky about the topic. 

“You can talk to me about baseball or football or whatever, but I’m also happy to talk about the Bible and spiritual stuff, too,” he said.  

The Bible is actually Gladden’s forte. He graduated from Principia in 1993 with a Religion degree, and he described the Bible as a constant companion that guides and feeds him. His boss stressed that as a win. 

 “If you are curious at all about going deeper with the Bible,” said Gordon. “[Ben]’s a tremendous resource. And I would say, not just academically, but practically, spiritually.” 

Gladden is set to lead a Fall Break Bible Study retreat at Cedars Camp for anyone interested in diving deeper into the Bible, in a summer camp setting.  The name of the retreat is: Calling and Career. The spiritual life department staff said, those who join will explore how everyone has their own individual calling and unique purpose in life that never changes, but acknowledging that careers will change over time. The careers may be an expression of that calling, but sometimes it’s not quite ideal and you need to take a job to pay rent. 

“You take it and you do it [the job], but it doesn’t mean that you’ve left your calling behind,” said Gladden. “You can fulfill your calling through any career job that you have.” 

Before this career change in his life, Gladden worked for a small property management company as the business manager and lead accountant for 15 years. Before that, he worked for the Christian Science Mother Church in Boston, Massachusetts in a couple different roles. Eventually, he left to take care of his and his wife’s three kids, one of which is currently attending Principia College.

“He’s always teaching me and my brothers about Christian Science and the Bible and all the spiritual parts of life,” said Victoria Gladden who is a sophomore majoring in economics.

She said her dad has had a big spiritual impact on her life and that she has noticed his other strengths – his sense of humor, his ability to connect with people – play a nice part in his transition to his new job. 

“And so, it’s been really fun to see him use that and his thoughtfulness and his spiritual strength in his occupation. I think it plays really well to his strengths.”

His coworkers say he also seems happy to be here.

Hannah Wymer, a senior and student worker for spiritual life department, said she can already sense the eagerness and support for campus that Gladden exudes and she’s only worked for him since the first week of school.

“Ben, along with the whole spiritual life team, [are] considered as a resource, they’re considered as people that you can go to when you’re in need of help,” said Wymer. “[It’s] something to keep in mind and remember as you go through your campus experience at Prin.”