Asbury Theological Seminary

Statue of John Wesley at ATS - Wilmore Campus Asbury Theological Seminary was founded in Wilmore, Kentucky, in 1923 by its first president, Henry Clay Morrison , who was at the time the president of Asbury College . In 1940, Asbury Seminary separated from the college in order to satisfy accreditation requirements. Because of the proximity of the two schools (across the street), similar names, and common theological heritage, many people confuse the relationship between the college and the seminary. While they are separate institutions, the schools maintain a collegial relationship that benefits both communities. Asbury Seminary has had eight presidents since its founding. [ 5 ] In December 2023, the seminary announced that Timothy C. Tennent , the eighth president, would transition out of the presidency to be a Professor of World Christianity. [ 6 ] In February 2024, the seminary launched a search process for the next president. [ 7 ] In May 2024, The Board of Trustees named David J. Gyertson interim president starting July 1, 2024. [ 8 ] In March 2025, the Board of Trustees elected David F. Watson as the next president effective July 1, 2025. [ 9 ] Presidents Henry Clay Morrison (1923–1942) J.C. McPheeters (1942–1962) Frank Stanger (1962–1982) David McKenna (1982–1994) Maxie Dunnam (1994–2004) Jeff Greenway (2004–2006) Ellsworth Kalas (2006–2009) Timothy Tennent (2009–2024) [Interim] David Gyertson (2024–June 30, 2025) David F. Watson (July 1, 2025–Present)

In addition to the main campus at Wilmore , the seminary offers courses through online learning and extension sites in Memphis, Tenn., Tulsa, Okla., Colorado Springs, Colo., Tampa, Fla. and Orlando, Fla.

Asbury Theological Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award master's and doctoral degrees. The Seminary is also accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada . It is an accredited member of Association for Biblical Higher Education . [ 10 ] Asbury Theological Seminary does not, within the context of its religious principles, heritage, mission, and goals, discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, physical impairment, or gender in the administration of its admission policies, educational policies, scholarship, and loan programs, athletic or other school-administered programs. The seminary is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students. [ 11 ]

Asbury Theological Seminary has four academic schools. School of Biblical Interpretation E. Stanley Jones School of World Mission and Evangelism School of Theology & Formation School of Counseling