Spotlight On... Reverend Reid Humble

What is your role and what does it involve?

I am the Chaplain and Interfaith Advisor. This involves developing the chaplaincy provision within student services. I am here for all students and staff at UCL whatever your faith (or none), religious, or cultural background to support learning, teaching, and research.

How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?

I  began this month in  September and was previously the Priest-in-Charge of Holy Trinity Southchurch, a Church of England parish in Southend-on-Sea.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

I am most proud of developing a peer-based bereavement support provision within an interfaith context that was offered across the entire Borough of Southend. It was a response to the increased experiences of loss and bereavement that began to happen during the first lockdown of the pandemic.

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of your to-do list?

As I’m just starting out, I don’t have any established projects yet. A key characteristic of my role is relational, so my initial priority is to get to know the University and all its people. I look forward to meeting with as many as possible over coffee and tea. I will also be working to make myself available for one-to-one appointments as much as possible. Please do say hello if you see me out and about (I’ll be the one in the collar!).

What is your favourite album, film and novel?

Album – Anything by Gregory Porter

Film – Love Actually

Novel – Not strictly a novel, but A Field Guide to the English Clergy by The Revd Fergus Butler-Gallie

What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?

I plead the 5th. 

What advice would you give your younger self?

Do not worry about things that you have no control over. Come to think of it, that is probably still good advice for myself today.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I am not loud, and I have never in my life owned a pair of cowboy boots or cowboy hat (this makes more sense when you know that I was born and raised in Texas). I love just about any sport.

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

Michael Jordan, Keith Floyd, Dr Vicky Raymer, Graham Norton, Stanley Hauerwas, my wife, and a couple of our closest friends.

What is your favourite place?

Wherever there is good food and wine, friends, and my dog. For a location…probably Paris or the Highlands in Scotland, depending on my mood.