BANGOR – With the arrival of one of the largest entering classes in Husson College’s history, work has begun for the Rev. Robert Carlson.

The college’s chaplain officially switched from part-time to full-time status in January. And now that school is back in session, Carlson said, he has spent plenty of days staying up until midnight meeting with new students.

“I love it. It’s just so energizing,” he said. “The issue of spirituality on campus is so exciting.”

Carlson, 60, left his 23-year position as pastor at the East Orrington Congregational Church last December to assume his current position.

“I thought it would be a great way to do something new and exciting,” he said.

But developing connections with the people he serves continues to be his highest priority, Carlson said.

“Spirituality is about building relationships,” he said. “For me, as a Christian, Jesus came to establish a relationship, not a religion.”

He said he hopes to see students of all faiths participate in what he calls “spiritual growth groups,” including student-led Bible study and meditation, as a way to form new relationships at the campus.

Carlson is working with local clergy to provide additional services to students of other faiths.

And he’s keeping busy as well as chaplain for the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Department and the Bangor and Brewer police departments.