Eliza Smith DeBevoise

University Chaplain and Director of Community Engagement

Rev. Eliza Smith DeBevoise is the University Chaplain and Director of Community Engagement at Converse. Before coming to Converse, Eliza served as a hospital chaplain resident for PRISMA Health in Greenville, SC. In addition to chaplaincy work in a clinical setting, Eliza also has work experience in the areas of campus ministry, congregational ministry, non-profit work and assisted living.

Eliza is a 2016 graduate of Furman University and a 2020 graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary, where she earned her Masters of Divinity and Masters of Arts in Practical Theology with a focus in Pastoral Care. Her areas of expertise include interfaith work, religious trauma theory, grief/ bereavement and vocational discernment work with students.

In 2020, Eliza won the Florie S. Johnson Award at Columbia Theological Seminary, showcasing her ability to offer spiritual care to those with a wide array of needs. Eliza is an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

In her free time, Eliza enjoys spending time at the beach with her friends and family, listening to podcasts and watching true crime documentaries. Her favorite food is ice cream and her favorite color is purple- Go Valkyries!

Degrees

  • Bachelors of Arts in Religion - Furman University
  • Masters of Divinity - Columbia Theological Seminary
  • Masters of Arts in Practical Theology - Columbia Theological Seminary