The University has appointed Imam Amir Durić as assistant dean for religious and spiritual life at Hendricks Chapel. Since 2017, Durić has served as the Muslim chaplain at Hendricks Chapel and will now take on a role that focuses on interfaith engagement, spiritual wellness, and ethical development within the university community.
Rev. Brian Konkol, vice president and dean of Hendricks Chapel, praised Durić’s leadership abilities: “Over the past eight years Imam Durić has repeatedly proven himself as an outstanding interfaith leader… In addition to being a devoted religious leader, Imam Durić is a dynamic teacher and scholar, compassionate counselor, strategic thinker and enterprising global citizen.”
Originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Durić’s experiences in conflict areas have influenced his commitment to pluralism and interfaith cooperation. His career includes roles such as serving various communities as an imam, co-founding a humanitarian NGO called Sadaka in his hometown, leading projects with the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and working with the Association of Bosniaks of Delaware Valley—Philadelphia.
Before assuming his new position, he was involved with Muslim student life at the university and played a key role in enhancing its presence on campus. He also co-founded the Jewish-Muslim Dialogue Fellowship alongside Rabbi Ethan Bair in 2023.
Durić holds several academic qualifications including a B.A. in Islamic studies from the University of Sarajevo and an executive master of public administration from Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He is also completing a Ph.D. in social science.
Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz, associate dean of Hendricks Chapel said: “We look forward to working with Imam Amir Durić in this new role… His visionary approach and deep commitment to interfaith understanding will strengthen our collective mission.”
