Joy, Inspire, Innovative
The Rev. Dr. Theresa S. Thames is the dean of religious life and the chapel at Princeton University. As an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, she served as a local pastor in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area for nine years before joining the Office of Religious Life team in 2016. Thames is a graduate of Howard University, Duke University Divinity School and Wesley Theological Seminary. She is passionate about the intersections of theology, gender, organizational development and social justice. She is a challenging preacher, thoughtful theologian and devoted friend. Thames loves life and music, prioritizes self-care and believes radical joy is resistance. She is involved with the Princeton community through student engagement, pastoral care, overseeing religious programs and regularly preaching at the University Chapel.