Franklin College has named Rev. Thomas Bartley as its chaplain and director of religious life.
Rev. Bartley currently serves as part-time pastor of First Baptist Church in Franklin, whose Sunday services are held in Richardson Chapel on the Franklin College campus. He will continue his pastorate alongside his new role at the College.
Rev. Bartley earned his undergraduate degree in religion from Wabash College and a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary. He brings extensive experience in ministry and spiritual care, including work with youth in several Indiana churches and service as senior pastor at Crooked Creek Baptist Church. His background also includes chaplaincy roles with the Indiana Department of Corrections, Luminary Hospice and Kindred Hospice.
“Rev. Bartley is a committed and effective leader with a strong record of fostering meaningful faith development and spiritual growth,” said Franklin College President Kerry N. Prather. “I am confident he will be successful in supporting the spiritual journeys of our students and inspiring engagement with our religious life program.”
“I’m excited to begin serving with the students, faculty and staff of Franklin College,” Bartley said. “I look forward to providing a safe space for students to successfully navigate the complexities of faith development through these important years.”
Rev. Bartley will begin his new role at Franklin College on May 1, 2026.
For more information, contact the Franklin College Office of Marketing and Communications at (317) 738-8185.
Franklin College, founded in 1834, is a liberal arts and sciences college just south of Indianapolis. It offers 50+ undergraduate majors and master’s programs in Physician Assistant Studies and Athletic Training. Students engage in NCAA Division III sports, esports, Greek life, the arts, and 30+ student groups. As Indiana’s first coeducational college, Franklin values diversity and inclusion. Learn more at FranklinCollege.edu. Connect with us on social media. Like Franklin College on Facebook, follow @FranklinCollege on X, @franklincollege.bsky.social on Bluesky, and catch our latest content on TikTok at FranklinCollegeGrizzlies.
