In the heart of Malcolm Travis Brown, the seeds of connection are sown through active compassion and support for others-often in their toughest times. These traits are the hallmarks of the calling that led him to Vanderbilt Divinity School and chaplaincy.
"I was working in corporate America in Indianapolis, Indiana, and felt God calling me into chaplaincy. It was a pretty stark pivot from what I was doing. I didn't have any ministry experience, and I was going to church but never thought about a career there. Then I listened to God and applied to Vanderbilt and everything fell into place," Brown said.
Throughout divinity school, Brown learned to "be comfortable being uncomfortable," which has helped him create a safe atmosphere in the chaplaincy work he does with young soccer players at Nashville SC Academy and with patients and families in Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital.
"My capacity to be in situations where I might be experiencing some discomfort, but to use that to feel a groundedness and a centeredness to dig in and help people, has been cultivated quite a bit," he said.
OFFERING COMPASSION TO OTHERS
For some people, interacting with a chaplain may be the first time they encounter a person of faith focused directly on providing personal support. Brown said he met chaplains during his time in the Army National Guard and then as an undergraduate.
"To me, chaplaincy takes the idea of ministry outside the walls of a worship space, and it's about meeting people in that moment of life where they could really use someone to walk with them," he said. "I spend a lot of time listening. It's spiritual care."
FAVORITE FELLOWSHIP
Brown found his favorite fellowship when he least expected it. He met his wife right when he was transitioning from his corporate job to Vanderbilt. During a layover at his parents' house, they set him up on a blind date.
"I was about to quit my job and move to Nashville, and it seemed to be probably the worst time that I could meet somebody, but God had a different idea," he said, laughing. "Over the course of my degree program, we got married, and now we have a son."
Brown said another great source of community during his time at Vanderbilt has been the Vanderbilt Black Seminarians group, as well as his interactions in classes that he took with Vanderbilt medical students and with prison inmates at the Debra K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center.
"Each semester feels like its own touchstone, its own part of the journey. And each set of classes has been so unique," Brown said. "But even now, as I look back, I can see the thread of purpose that was woven throughout each of them."
Purpose that his professors know will guide his life after graduation.
"In my 30-plus years of teaching at Vanderbilt Divinity School, I have been on the lookout for those one or two students who impressed me by their rigorous attention to thinking through arguments, ethical issues and demonstrated humility and respect for other students and their opinions. Malcolm is the student I've been in search of," said Victor Anderson, professor of ethics and society, who holds the Oberlin Theological School Chair.
"He demonstrates genuine, empathetic listening and shows a contagious sense of humor. I regard him as exemplary of the well-rounded student."
- Look for more stories in the Class of 2025 storytelling series coming soon!
