An Update from Dr. David Watson

This academic year is off to a wonderful start at Asbury Theological Seminary. Our fall enrollment is strong, with 1,706 students enrolled, surpassing our projection of 1,693. We also welcomed 447 new students, slightly above goal. This success is the fruit of institution-wide collaboration, and I also want to thank you for the vital role you play in this strong enrollment. You continue to send students to us, and your investment in the next generation of Christian leaders is deeply appreciated.

To those who attended the Asbury Seminary Alumni Dinner at New Room on September 18, thank you. It was a joy to share an update with you and to meet so many of you in person. I look forward to more opportunities to connect in the days ahead.

While the Master of Divinity degree continues to decline nationally and at Asbury, affected by denominational shifts and changing ordination requirements, our faculty and staff have responded creatively, strengthening other programs that offset these challenges. We continue to adapt faithfully to the needs of the church and world.

We recently began production of two new podcasts to foster discussion of Wesleyan theology and extend Asbury’s witness more broadly. We will be launching these shortly, so stay tuned.

Looking further ahead, I warmly invite you to join us April 16–18, 2026, for a campus-wide tent revival. Together we will seek the Lord in prayer and worship under the preaching of Matt Reynolds, Kim Maas, and Luther Oconer. Please make plans to join us and bring friends, pastors, and church members with you.

As we step into the future, I ask you for your continued partnership, through your faithful prayers and your generous support, as we carry forward the mission God has entrusted to Asbury. Harriet and I are grateful for the privilege of serving alongside you. God has always been faithful, and we trust him for all that lies ahead.

Yours in Christ,
David F. Watson