Our Chaplains
Most of our Chaplains are volunteers from local faith communities. They are friendly and approachable and care about what matters most to you. They can offer pastoral support to anyone who needs a listening ear or someone to talk things through with. You may like to ask them about:
- where to worship on campus and in the local area
- student faith societies
- balancing your faith with student life
You are welcome to just sit and be in their company or chat in general. They offer a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone.
Reverend Ben Hudd
Ben is a Church of England Minister. You can join him on the first Monday of the month at midday when he gives Holy Communion at the Multifaith Chaplaincy on Penryn Campus, where you are welcome to stay for lunch afterwards. Ben oversees Chilioi – an inclusive Christian community for LGBTQ+ people and their allies. The Chilioi community meets fortnightly, and Ben would be pleased to chat to any students who would like to find out more.
After serving in the British military, Ben established a social enterprise in Bangladesh as part of an anti-child trafficking initiative and in 2009, he answered God’s call to ordained church ministry. His work in the church has taken him to Sheffield, Armenia, South Sudan, the refugee camps of northern Uganda and now Cornwall. He lives here with his wife and four daughters.
Gemma Tracey
Gemma, our Coordinating Chaplain at the Multifaith Chaplaincy, is here to support all students of any faith or none. When you meet her, you’ll find she’s interested in your questions and lets your needs guide the conversation. Some students come looking for a religious service, others just need a quiet space and a cup of tea or want to meet people and connect.
Gemma works with our team of volunteer chaplains, supporting them to support you and acts as a bridge between the Chaplaincy and the wider university, linking students with support services, advising on religion and belief, and helping student faith societies.
Her journey into chaplaincy began while working in Equality and Diversity, where an encounter with a chaplain sparked her interest in creating space for open, meaningful conversations. A moment that led her to Cornwall and this role.
Gemma enjoys working with student-led faith societies, especially those from minority backgrounds. She understands that moving to a remote place like Cornwall can bring concerns about religious life, and she’s here to help you shape your own experience. For her, seeing students become confident leaders in their communities is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
Pete King
You can usually find Pete in the Multifaith Chaplaincy on Penryn Campus on Tuesdays and Fridays from 14:00-17:00. On Fridays, he is joined by his gentle dog Bailey and on “Movies and Meanings” evenings, he can often be found leading the discussion after the film.
Pete started volunteering here as a Christian Chaplain over eight years ago, after a varied career as a social worker and a History and Criminology lecturer. He also trained as an Anglican Minister; a role he decided not to pursue but finds very useful today. Pete uses his life experiences to create a safe and inclusive place where you can come and let go of your burdens and just be.
You can sit and work, have a quiet session, chat, have a meaningful conversation about faith or your personal journey and, of course, help yourself to tea. He deeply values listening and learning from others’ experiences and believes the warm, friendly space that the chaplaincy offers is particularly beneficial for students from minority groups like the trans and neurodivergent community.
Pete believes that every act of forgiveness and kindness builds the kingdom of God, and he tries to embody that belief in all he does.
Jan Webb
About 14 years ago, Jan began volunteering on Penryn Campus after a parent told her their child was struggling to find calm spaces on campus. With Quakers from her Meeting, she started offering tea and cake on Wednesdays in the old Chaplaincy room in Tremough House, which planted the seed for the warm and welcoming sessions she runs in the chaplaincies today, a space where everyone is accepted just as they are.
You’ll usually find Jan in Penryn Chaplaincy on Wednesdays (13:00–17:00) and Falmouth Campus on Thursdays (10:00–14:00). She brings delicious homemade vegan cakes each week too - baking over 1,000 last year alone!
Jan sees the Chaplaincy as a space where you can just be, whether you want to chat, enjoy some quiet time, or both. Her favourite part of Chaplaincy life is watching students settle and grow, and she finds sessions very varied. Some days might involve conversations and card games, others offer in-the-moment support during tough times like bereavement.
A former French teacher, Jan, also sings with the Red River Singers. She has a special interest in labyrinths, which she recommends to students feeling stuck or stressed. Walking a labyrinth, she says, offers a mindful way to reset as you don’t have to make any decisions, just follow the path. Jan’s husband John created the Labyrinth outside the Peter Lanyon building if you’d like to give it a try.
Mary Stevenson
Mary first got involved with the Chaplaincy when she crocheted toy bags for the previous Coordinating Chaplain’s son to play with during services at Mabe Church. She was invited to run craft workshops and then to become a Chaplain.
Now, you’ll find Mary in the Penryn Chaplaincy most Thursdays (14:00–17:00) during term time. Her drop-in sessions offer a relaxed space to crochet, craft, or simply unwind with a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake. You don’t have to craft to take part.
Mary sees the Chaplaincy as a warm, homely place where students can relax, connect, and explore their creativity. She loves watching their confidence grow - from simple crochet pieces to impressive projects like Highland cows or Daleks.
She values the Chaplaincy’s role in creating a space where students from all backgrounds can feel comfortable exploring or discussing faith or just finding community. During Ramadan, she wraps up cake for students to take away and enjoy at Iftar (when they break their fast).
A University of Exeter graduate, Mary used to be a primary school teacher and stays connected to education today as a school governor. Married to an Anglican priest, she’s also involved in church activities and often sells her crochet work to support fundraising events.
John Webb
John first became involved with the Chaplaincy when he installed the labyrinth by the Peter Lanyon Building - a space he still carefully maintains. His wife, Jan, also a Quaker Chaplain, has a special interest in labyrinths and finds the experience of walking them calming and restorative.
On Thursdays during term time, you’ll usually find John in Belmont Garden on Falmouth Campus between 10:00–14:00, when the greenhouse will be open. These drop-in sessions are open to students, staff, and the wider community. You can help with sowing, soil prep, composting, or harvesting - or simply come for a chat and enjoy the peaceful space.
Belmont Garden, next to the Estates office and in front of the Life Drawing Studio, is a south-facing, terraced garden with a greenhouse and wild area. It’s open year-round, though please note access involves steps.
John enjoys connecting with people and growing food through gardening and is active in local garden groups, including Penryn Community Garden (Incredible Edible). His green fingers and background as a land surveyor are a great asset to his work with the Chaplaincy.
