Harry Quiett

"From Pulpit to People - Harry Quiett’s 50-Year Journey in Ministry and Social Service”

In this episode of Class of '75 Conversations, host Dr. Art McClanahan talks with fellow 1975 Duke Divinity School graduate Harry Quiett about his diverse 50-year career spanning parish ministry, nonprofit leadership, and social advocacy. 

Harry’s journey took him from Methodist churches in North Carolina to working with Bill Moyers at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, then to a 13-year tenure at a Unitarian Universalist church in Washington, D.C., followed by leadership roles at the Whitman-Walker HIV/AIDS Clinic and eventually 20 years as Chief Ministry Officer at Volunteers of America. 

Throughout the conversation, Harry emphasizes his passion for translating complex theological concepts into accessible language for everyday people, a mission he continues through his retirement website, holyhillbilly.org  He reflects on influential Duke professors like Roland Murphy, Harmon Smith, and Lloyd Bailey, who shaped his approach to ministry, particularly the importance of bridging the gap “between the pulpit and the first pew.” Harry shares his consistent commitment to grassroots social action and his belief that effective ministry requires making theology relevant and understandable to ordinary people facing real-world challenges.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​