Mrs. McKenna faithfully shared in a lifetime of Christian leadership and service, offering steadfast encouragement, gracious hospitality, and a prayerful presence to the communities they served. Her deep faith and genuine care for others were a blessing to countless students, colleagues, and friends who experienced her warmth and kindness. Mrs. McKenna鈥檚 influence extended well beyond the Seminary during Dr. McKenna鈥檚 leadership, as she embodied faithful discipleship through humility, generosity, and unwavering devotion to Christ and family.

Reflecting on her legacy, 探花系列 President Dr. David F. Watson shared, 鈥淛anet McKenna lived a life marked by Christlike grace, humility, and faithful service. Her hospitality and joyful devotion enriched this Seminary and strengthened all who had the privilege of knowing her. We give thanks to God for her enduring witness and pray for God鈥檚 comfort and peace to surround Dr. McKenna and the entire McKenna family.鈥�

Dr. David Gyertson, former interim president of 探花系列, also reflected on Mrs. McKenna鈥檚 lasting impact:
鈥淢y wife Nancy and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs. McKenna. From our days as students under the McKennas鈥� leadership at Spring Arbor College to being mentored by David and Janet in our calling to Christian higher education鈥攁nd then once again serving alongside them here at 探花系列鈥擩anet was consistently known for her grace, joy, and deep commitment to her family. She was the consummate first lady, setting a beautiful and enduring example for us. Together, we were richly blessed by her guidance, her spirit, and the gift of her friendship.鈥�

We give thanks to God for Mrs. McKenna鈥檚 life and witness. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. McKenna and the entire McKenna family during this time of loss. May the hope of the resurrection and the comfort of God鈥檚 abiding presence bring peace to all who mourn.

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Rooted in the outdoor camp meeting tradition that has shaped Wesleyan and Methodist renewal for generations, the gathering is designed to create space for worship, biblical teaching, and Spirit-led prayer. Seminary President Dr. David Watson said the event reflects both the institution鈥檚 heritage and its present mission.

鈥淭ent meetings are a sacred tradition in the Wesleyan/Holiness movement鈥攕paces where God has helped shape awakening and revival,鈥� Watson said. 鈥淲ith this worship gathering, we are drawing on that rich heritage and inviting others to join Asbury Seminary as we seek spiritual renewal in our day.鈥�

Each of the three evenings will address a distinct dimension of spiritual renewal. Thursday, April 16, will focus on renewal of personal connection with God; Friday, April 17, on the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit; and Saturday, April 18, on calling and mission. Each night will include praise and worship, preaching, and ministry prayer.

Three guest preachers are featured across the three nights: the Rev. Matt Reynolds of Spirit and Truth (Thursday), Dr. Kim Maas of Kim Maas Ministries (Friday), and Asbury Seminary Professor Dr. Luther Oconer (Saturday).

Attendance for the event is anticipated from Asbury Seminary students, staff, faculty, friends, as well as members of the broader Wilmore and Asbury University communities.

For more information on the event and the guest speakers, please visit

About 探花系列

探花系列 was founded in 1923 to prepare and send forth well-trained, sanctified, Spirit-filled, evangelistic ministers to spread scriptural holiness around the world. Today, thousands of 探花系列 graduates flourish in every state, on every continent, and in every time zone, reaching the world through evangelism, missions, church planting, preaching, teaching, and counseling. 探花系列 continues its mission in providing holistic ministerial preparation as an interdenominational institution with a flagship campus in Wilmore, Ky., and extension sites in Memphis, Orlando, Tampa, and Tulsa, and fully online degree programs. For more information, please visit .

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Media Contact:

探花系列
Gianfranco Ramirez
Director of Communications
gianfranco.ramirez@asburyseminary.edu

The post 探花系列 to Host Three-Night Tent Meeting April 16鈥�18 appeared first on 探花系列.

The facsimile was presented by Dr. David Schreiner, Associate Professor of Old Testament and Inductive Biblical Studies, who co-edited the volume with Dr. Mark Awabdy and Dr. Drew Holland, all former students of Dr. Arnold. The Festschrift features contributions by 23 authors, including leading scholars in Biblical studies such as Dr. John H. Walton, Dr. Sandra L. Richter, Asbury Seminary professors Dr. Lawson G. Stone and Dr. Ben Witherington, III, among others. Each article addresses topics in the areas of Dr. Arnold鈥檚 scholarly work in Old Testament studies, especially Genesis and Deuteronomy. The work will be published in March 2026 as a volume of the 鈥淶eitschrift f眉r Altorientalische und Biblische Rechtsgeschichte鈥� (Journal for Ancient Near Eastern and Biblical Legal History) by publisher Harrassowitz Verlag.

In his statements at the presentation, Dr. Schreiner remarked:

鈥淒r. 鈥嬧�婤ill Arnold has been a foremost faculty member at 探花系列, including throughout my formal education here. Bill has shown me what it means to keep a finger on the pulse of the academy and the Church. He understands that educating ecclesial leadership alongside motivated parishioners will impact the ongoing vitality and capabilities of the Church. And now, as a colleague, I am convinced of Bill鈥檚 burden to empower the churches of the Wesleyan tradition and their leadership in terms of knowledge, formation, and service. It is with great admiration and respect that Mark Awabdy, Drew Holland, and I offer this project to Bill as a celebration of his service to the Church, 探花系列, us, and every other student. 鈥�

Dr. Arnold is a widely recognized Old Testament scholar who has contributed articles to multiple academic journals. He has authored and co-authored several books, including a two-volume commentary on Deuteronomy, the first installment of which appeared in 2022. He is also an editor of biblical commentary series, notably the 鈥淣ew Cambridge Bible Commentary,鈥� the 鈥淏aker Commentary on the Old Testament: Pentateuch,鈥� and the 鈥淣ew International Commentary on the Old Testament.鈥�

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• Amy Bouvier 鈥� Director of Marketing (effective September 2025)
• Gianfranco Ramirez 鈥� Director of Communications (effective October 2025)
• Jami Evans 鈥� Director of Admissions (effective January 2026)

These leaders bring a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to serving students and strengthening Asbury Seminary鈥檚 global impact.

Amy Bouvier 鈥� Director of Marketing

Amy Bouvier brings a rich blend of corporate leadership, entrepreneurial experience, and strategic insight to her new role as Director of Marketing. Amy spent several years at Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati, where she advanced through multiple finance roles, including Senior Financial Analyst and Senior Finance Manager. Her work included global internal audit and advisory services, strategic analysis, and cross-functional collaboration.

Amy鈥檚 background also includes leadership roles in the retail sector. She served as Vice President of a retail startup, developing and implementing growth strategies and overseeing operational processes.

Amy holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky and brings experience across finance, strategy, leadership, and marketing. Her combination of analytical skill, entrepreneurial creativity, and mission-oriented leadership positions her to help expand and strengthen Asbury Seminary鈥檚 marketing initiatives, recruitment efforts, and public engagement.

Gianfranco Ramirez 鈥� Director of Communications

Gianfranco Ramirez joins Asbury Seminary with more than a decade of experience in corporate, non-profit, and ministry communications. Before joining the Seminary, he served in the corporate communications department at R. J. Corman Railroad Group, where he led communications initiatives for the company. He played a key role in advancing the organization’s internal and external communications strategies, strengthening engagement and supporting the company’s public profile.

Prior to joining R. J. Corman Railroad Group, Gianfranco served in ministry roles in Uruguay and Chile, including as an Assistant Pastor and Communications Coordinator at Christ Church Montevideo and as a Campus House Minister with CMF International.

Gianfranco holds a Master of Science in Marketing Communications from the University of Birmingham (United Kingdom) and a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Business Management from the Universidad de Santiago (Chile). Fluent in English and Spanish, he brings a global perspective to communications and shares Asbury Seminary鈥檚 passion for connection with the Church worldwide.

Jami Evans 鈥� Director of Admissions

Jami Evans joins Asbury Seminary, bringing more than a decade of leadership experience in enrollment management, admissions operations, and student success. She most recently served as Director of Enrollment Management at Somerset Community College, where she led admissions, financial aid, advising, and call center functions; developed strategic enrollment plans; and implemented data-informed recruitment strategies that strengthened conversion and enhanced student experience.

Her background as a Registrar adds expertise in academic policy, compliance, and process accuracy鈥攕kills that will support Asbury Seminary鈥檚 commitment to excellence and integrity in admissions. Jami鈥檚 strengths include data-driven recruitment leadership, CRM and communication strategy development, team coaching, and a deeply mission-centered approach to serving prospective students. She holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Western Kentucky University and is completing her Doctorate of Business Administration.

Asbury Seminary is delighted to welcome these leaders to new roles and looks forward to the leadership, creativity, and vision they will bring to advancing the Seminary鈥檚 mission.

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Media Contact:

探花系列
Gianfranco Ramirez
Director of Communications
gianfranco.ramirez@asburyseminary.edu

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The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges is recognized as a leader among the large accrediting bodies for its rigorous standards related to academic quality, governance, financial stability, and student support services.

探花系列 is accredited by SACSCOC to award degrees at the master鈥檚 and doctoral levels. In addition, the Seminary may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels, providing students with a range of academic pathways to prepare for ministry and leadership.

鈥溙交ㄏ盗锈�檚 reaffirmation by SACSCOC reflects our unwavering dedication to providing world-class theological education rooted in Wesleyan tradition,鈥� said Dr. David F. Watson, President of 探花系列. 鈥淭his achievement is a testament to the hard work of our faculty, staff, and trustees who strive daily to equip men and women for faithful service to Christ and His Church.鈥�

In 2025, 探花系列 also celebrated the renewal of its (ATS) accreditation for a ten-year period, further affirming its standing among leading theological institutions.

To visit 探花系列鈥檚 official accreditation profile on SACSCOC鈥檚 website, please click .听

About 探花系列

探花系列 was founded in 1923 to prepare and send forth well-trained, sanctified, Spirit-filled, evangelistic ministers to spread scriptural holiness around the world. Today, thousands of 探花系列 graduates flourish in every state, on every continent, and in every time zone, reaching the world through evangelism, missions, church planting, preaching, teaching, and counseling. 探花系列 continues its mission in providing holistic ministerial preparation as an interdenominational institution with a flagship campus in Wilmore, Ky., and extension sites in Colorado Springs, Memphis, Orlando, Tampa, and Tulsa, and fully online degree programs. For more information, please visit

###

Media Contact:
Gianfranco Ramirez
Director of Communications
探花系列

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Each year, 探花系列 welcomes the community to join us for our annual Advent Vespers service. This cherished tradition offers a time of reflection, worship, and music as we prepare our hearts for the Advent season.

This year鈥檚 theme, 鈥淏别驳辞迟迟别苍鈥�, invites us to contemplate the mystery and beauty of Christ鈥檚 coming. Through scripture, song, and orchestral accompaniment, the service will guide us into the wonder of Advent.

We warmly invite you, your family, and friends to join us for this special evening of worship. Admission is free, and all are welcome. Come experience the joy of Advent through music and fellowship at Estes Chapel.

Event Details

• Date: Sunday, December 7th
• Times: 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm
• Location: Estes Chapel, 探花系列, 226 N Lexington Ave, Wilmore, KY 40390

Featuring

• Asbury Seminary Singers with Orchestra
• Kalas Kids Choir (at 4:00 pm service only)
• A bluegrass ensemble

Livestream

• Both services will be livestreamed at: asbury.to/live

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Peter J. Marra Elected as Board Member

The board of trustees voted unanimously to elect Mr. Peter J. Marra as a member of the board. Marra earned his M.A. in Leadership from Asbury Seminary and currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Colson Center as well as in an advisory role for several organizations. He has over 20 years of experience in organizational strategy, leadership development, and technology integration. He has worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Microsoft and founded several companies himself while working extensively in the startup and incubation space. Marra has also served in many ministry settings, including short-term international ministry in more than 15 countries, pastoring, church planting, and mission mobilization. He has a bachelor鈥檚 degree in business administration from The Citadel in South Carolina. He has been married for 21 years to his wife, Heather, and they are proud parents of four children.

Dale Ditto鈥檚 Retirement

The board of trustees also celebrated the retirement of Mr. Dale S. Ditto from the board. In December, Ditto will complete his third five-year term, the maximum limit for a board member, having been initially elected in 2010. During his tenure, Ditto lent his expertise to the Finance Committee and the Audit Committee, including a stint as the Audit Committee Chair. His major contributions to Asbury Seminary include starting the Tom & Fran Ditto Scripture Memorization Scholarship in 2012, which has provided $87,200 in support to 188 students, and advocating for reducing student debt and minimizing dependency on federal student loans for Asbury Seminary students.听

President Watson expressed his gratitude to Ditto for his years of faithful stewardship and service: 鈥淚 am incredibly grateful for Dale Ditto鈥檚 service to the board of trustees and to Asbury Seminary in general. Dale’s decades of experience made him a valuable contributor to our mission, and his broad knowledge of the markets and investments allowed him to ask the right questions and assist our committee members in better understanding. On behalf of the faculty, staff and students of 探花系列 Seminary, I give my heartfelt thanks to Dale and pray the Lord richly blesses the next chapter of his life.鈥�

Dr. E. Dale Locke Named Chair and Passing of the Gavel

The board of trustees elected Rev. Dr. E. Dale Locke to serve as the next board chair, effective January 2026. Locke was elected to the board in 2018. He has served on the Formation Committee and as Chair of the Governance Committee since 2022. He played a major role as a member of the search committee that ultimately selected Dr. Watson as the ninth president of 探花系列 Seminary. Additionally, Locke received both his M.Div. and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Asbury Seminary and was awarded Alumnus of the Year in 2017.听

The board held a Passing of the Gavel ceremony, a symbolic ritual in which the outgoing board chair passes on the gavel used to convene and adjourn meetings to the incoming chair. Helen Rhea Stumbo, who completed her service as the interim board chair, passed the gavel to Locke. Stumbo was elected last year on an interim basis, at the suggestion of the Governance Committee, to help preserve the continuity of leadership during a transitional period.

On his election as the new Chair of the Board, Locke stated: 鈥淚t is with a deep sense of humility and honor that I step into the role as Chair of our board, beginning this January. As a trustee, I believe our current board stands upon the shoulders of all those who served before us; many, for a number of years and in significant ways. My prayer is that we will serve in our season with the same faithfulness, stewarding forward the mission of our beloved institution, and continuing to pray that God will raise up 鈥榤en and women to evangelize and spread scriptural holiness throughout the world.鈥欌��

Three other officers were also elected. Helen Rhea Stumbo was elected as Vice Chair, Anna Jackson was elected as Secretary for her second term, and Greg Spillyards was elected as Treasurer.

About 探花系列

探花系列 was founded in 1923 to prepare and send forth well-trained, sanctified, Spirit-filled, evangelistic ministers to spread scriptural holiness around the world. Today, thousands of 探花系列 graduates flourish in every state, on every continent, and in every time zone, reaching the world through evangelism, missions, church planting, preaching, teaching, and counseling. The sun never sets on its graduates. 探花系列 continues its mission in providing holistic ministerial preparation as an interdenominational institution with a flagship campus in Wilmore, Ky., and extension sites in Colorado Springs, Memphis, Orlando, Tampa, and Tulsa, and fully online degree programs. For more information, please visit .

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Media Contact:

探花系列
Gianfranco Ramirez
Director of Communications
gianfranco.ramirez@asburyseminary.edu

The post 探花系列 Board of Trustees Elects New Member and Officers, Celebrates the Retirement of Dale Ditto appeared first on 探花系列.

The gift will fund the creation of a rigorous doctoral program designed to prepare scholars, educators, and thought leaders with global impact for service in academia, the church, and society, with firm commitments to the authority of Scripture, the Wesleyan tradition, and the church鈥檚 historic and orthodox faith.

The endowed chair will be held by a distinguished theologian whose work exemplifies the values of rigorous scholarship, faithful engagement, and global relevance.听

鈥淲e are grateful for this extraordinary gift from the Paul S. and Jean R. Amos Family Foundation. This gift will help us to further our mission and maintain our commitment to deep theological inquiry. It will allow us to contribute in important ways to the formation of Wesleyan scholars who will shape the future of the church and the academy,鈥� said Dr. David F. Watson, President of 探花系列. 鈥淲e are deeply grateful for the Amos family鈥檚 vision and generosity towards our institution and the global church.鈥�

The Paul S. and Jean R. Amos Family Foundation has long been a champion of theological education and leadership development. Nearly 20 years ago, the Amos family helped 探花系列 establish its PhD in Biblical Studies. That visionary gift has borne fruit, training scholars and leaders who are now shaping the church and academia. This new gift continues their legacy of investing in fostering intellectual and spiritual growth in the United States and around the globe.

Recruitment for the inaugural cohort of Ph.D. students is expected to begin in 2026, with the program officially launching in fall 2027.

About 探花系列

探花系列 was founded in 1923 to prepare and send forth well-trained, sanctified, Spirit-filled, evangelistic ministers to spread scriptural holiness around the world. Today, thousands of 探花系列 graduates flourish in every state, on every continent, and in every time zone, reaching the world through evangelism, missions, church planting, preaching, teaching, and counseling. The sun never sets on its graduates. 探花系列 continues its mission in providing holistic ministerial preparation as an interdenominational institution with a flagship campus in Wilmore, Ky., and extension sites in Colorado Springs, Memphis, Orlando, Tampa, and Tulsa, and fully online degree programs. For more information, please visit .

###

Media Contact:

探花系列
Gianfranco Ramirez
Director of Communications
gianfranco.ramirez@asburyseminary.edu

The post The Paul S. and Jean R. Amos Family Foundation Awards $15 Million Gift to Launch New Ph.D. in Theology Program and Endowed Chair appeared first on 探花系列.

WILMORE, Ky., November 6, 2025鈥斕交ㄏ盗� is pleased to share that

This distinguished recognition honors Dr. Gyertson鈥檚 exemplary record of leadership and service in biblical higher education, as well as his enduring commitment to the mission and values that define the ABHE community. As a Senior Fellow, Dr. Gyertson joins a select group of thought leaders whose wisdom and counsel continue to shape the future of biblical higher education across North America and beyond.

We are deeply grateful for Dr. Gyertson鈥檚 contributions to Asbury Seminary and the broader academic and faith communities. We celebrate this well-deserved honor and look forward to his continued impact in this new capacity.

Dr. Gyertson will be formally recognized at the ABHE Annual Meeting in February 2026.

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The installation service is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, in Estes Chapel, and a reception will follow in the B.L. Fisher Library. In addition, a three-day lecture series has been planned from Sunday, November 2, to Tuesday, November 4, elaborating on the theme of Dr. Watson鈥檚 inauguration. A special music service will also be held on the evening of Monday, November 3. Private celebrations designed to host the faculty, staff and students of 探花系列 Seminary will also be held that week. A detailed listing of dates, times and locations can be found on the .

The Communications Department of 探花系列 Seminary has planned a guided tour of the campus for any members of the media before the installation service. The guided tour will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, with a light lunch to follow. Individual interviews with Dr. Watson are also available. To inquire further, please contact the Communications Department at (859) 858-2178 or communications.office@asburyseminary.edu.

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