Historical Statement

In 1923, several members of the faculty of Asbury College (now Asbury University) met with President Henry Clay Morrison to discuss the matter of evangelical theological education. Growing out of recognition of the need for a graduate theological Seminary committed to the historic Wesleyan interpretation of evangelical Christianity, plans were made for the organization of Asbury Theological Seminary. Asbury Seminary officially opened in the fall of 1923. From 1923 to 1931, the Seminary was an integral part of Asbury College. In 1931, articles of incorporation were drawn up and the Seminary became a separate educational unit. In 1939, the Seminary moved to its present campus. Since 1941, Asbury Seminary has been an independent administrative unit, completely separate from any other institution.

Dr. Henry Clay Morrison, founder and first president, 1923-1942 Dr. Julian C. McPheeters, second president, 1942-1962 Dr. Frank Bateman Stanger, third president, 1962-1982 Dr. David L. McKenna, fourth president, 1982-1994 Dr. Maxie D. Dunnam, fifth president, 1994-2004 Dr. Jeffrey E. Greenway, sixth president, 2004-2006 Dr. J. Ellsworth Kalas, seventh president, 2006-2009 Dr. Timothy C. Tennent, eighth president, 2009-