Mark Orten

Mark joined Middlebury College as the Dean of Spiritual and Religious Life and Director of the Scott Center in 2016. In his various roles he works to make spiritual and religious life relevant, central and visible on the campus. Supporting all mature religious expressions alongside worldviews of no faith is a life-long commitment, growing out of his own pluralistic journey. Mark has experience and various certifications working with intentional community among people of vast differences, employing interpersonal and inter-group dialogue models, implementing restorative practices for mediation and healing, as well as leading contemplative practices in several modalities (yoga, labyrinth, mindfulness meditation). 

Prior to coming to Middlebury, Mark served for thirteen years as director of the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life and University Chaplain at Denison University. Before that Orten was the Presbyterian Chaplain at Princeton University for eleven years, from 1992 to 2003. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and a master of divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and is ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Mark lives in Middlebury with his spouse and four children and enjoys meditation, reading, walking conversations, cooking, board games and keeping up with politics.

For the Spring 2024 term, Mark’s office hours are Thursdays from 9:00-11:00 am in The Crest Room.