Asbury University

Wilmore, KY

private nonprofitgraduate

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Quick Facts

1,369

Total Students

$34K

Tuition (In-State)

$34K

Tuition (Out-State)

$20K

Avg Net Price

64%

Acceptance Rate

65%

Graduation Rate

6-year

84%

Retention Rate

Master's Colleges & Universities

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Asbury University

Asbury University: Rooted in faith and history, preparing future leaders since 1890.

Nestled in Wilmore, Kentucky, Asbury University stands as an institution with a rich heritage, dedicated to cultivating scholarship and leadership. Founded in 1890 by John Wesley Hughes as Kentucky Holiness College, it was soon renamed in honor of Bishop Francis Asbury, a pivotal figure in American Methodism. The university's foundation is deeply tied to its founder's enduring love and vision, a sentiment echoed through landmarks like the Old Asbury Building, now a cherished space for prayer and meditation.

Throughout its history, Asbury has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, exemplified by the impressive Kinlaw Library, home to over 150,000 items that support diverse fields of study. Students benefit from a campus environment that honors its past while looking to the future, with facilities like the historic Hughes Auditorium still actively used today, connecting generations of students to the university's vibrant spiritual and academic life.

The institution marked a significant milestone in 2010, transitioning from Asbury College to Asbury University, reflecting its expanded academic offerings and growing scope. It has also seen groundbreaking leadership, including its first female president, Sandra C. Gray, who served from 2007 to 2019. Today, under the leadership of President Kevin Brown, Asbury University continues its legacy of fostering holistic development and preparing students to make a meaningful impact in the world.

Key Highlights

✦Established in 1890 by John Wesley Hughes as Kentucky Holiness College.
✦Renamed Asbury College in 1891 after Bishop Francis Asbury, the 'Father of American Methodism'.
✦Became Asbury University in 2010, reflecting expanded academic scope.
✦Home to The Kinlaw Library, housing over 150,000 items across various collections.
✦Hughes Auditorium, built in 1928, remains a central and active part of campus life.
✦Sandra C. Gray served as the institution's first female president (2007-2019).
✦The Old Asbury Building, the original schoolhouse, is now a dedicated space for prayer and meditation.

Timeline

1790

Bishop Francis Asbury established Bethel Academy, the first Methodist school west of the Appalachians.

1890

Asbury College was established by John Wesley Hughes as Kentucky Holiness College.

1891

Renamed Asbury College after Bishop Francis Asbury.

1928

John Wesley Hughes broke ground for the new Hughes Auditorium.

2001

The Kinlaw Library, named in honor of Dennis F. Kinlaw and his wife Elsie, was completed.

2007

Sandra C. Gray was inaugurated as the university's seventeenth and first female president.

2010

Asbury College officially became Asbury University.

2019

Kevin J. Brown began his tenure as the eighteenth president of Asbury University.

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Asbury University

💼

Dayton School of Business

A part of Asbury University, notable for its academic programs.

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