Kerrie Harthan 

Rev. Harthan is a native New Englander who grew up migrating between Massachusetts and Maine. A minister of daily discipleship, her ministry is one of breaking bread with those who would not darken the door of a church. Such is the situation of many college students.  She is described as being “a wicked funny, non-judgmental presence” and a person who is “approachable, compassionate, and someone with whom you can share anything”.  Based at First Congregational Church of Somerville (down the hill from Tufts), she looks forward to serving the Tufts Community and invites you to come by and introduce yourself: You might even get to go rowing on the Mystic or the Charles in her antique wooden boat.

A staunch advocate of higher education serving the Common Good, Rev. Kerrie brings to Tufts University twenty years of experience in university administration (Residence Life, Campus Ministry, Admissions), community building and ecological activism. She spearheaded the Mass ReLeaf Ministry Project, which worked with the City of Somerville, Tufts Buildings & Grounds Personnel, and a host of church/city volunteers to plant the young trees lining the campus along Powderhouse Boulevard.  As a former interfaith chaplain on Boston’s international shipping and fishing world, a hardware store manager and a current employee of Whole Foods Market, she has a working knowledge of the intersection of commerce, education, community and faith.   She believes Tufts University to be leading the way in shaping people who nimbly and justly ply their trade while building up the community, the environment and others they encounter. “This is an act of faith and love, plain and simple”, she says.