Asbury University honors the life of former president Dr. Paul A. Rader ’56

January 21, 2025

Asbury University joins the global community in celebrating the life and faithful service of a former president, beloved friend of the institution, and retired Salvation Army General Dr. Paul A. Rader, who was promoted to Glory on January 18, 2025. Rader, a 1956 graduate of Asbury College, served as the 15th president of then-Asbury College from 2000 to 2006 following his retirement from an extraordinary life of missions and international leadership in The Salvation Army, alongside his beloved wife, Dr. Kay Fuller ’57 Rader. Rader exemplified Asbury’s motto of Academic Excellence and Spiritual Vitality.

“Asbury has been shaped by thousands of godly thumbprints in previous years and decades,” said Asbury President Dr. Kevin Brown. “Leaving his own indelible imprint upon our campus, Dr. Paul Rader advanced Asbury’s mission and served its community through faithful leadership and godly character. As he has passed on into eternity, I am thankful for his legacy and celebrate the model of a godly life lived well.”

When he assumed the presidency in 2000, Rader set a goal to make Asbury more diverse and reflective of the kingdom of God. His service as president was also marked by important board appointments and bylaw changes, consequential grant procurements, and the establishment of the Presidential Task Force on Diversity. He also oversaw the refurbishment and modernization of key campus areas, advanced campus recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and helped create the popular spring film festival on campus now known as Highbridge Film Festival. Rader also championed the expansion of academic offerings with the introduction of graduate programs, Asbury Academy for high school students, and degree completion programs now known as Asbury Online.

“It is with deep honor and respect that we reflect upon the life of Dr. Paul Rader, a godly man, full of grace, conviction and uncompromising commitment,” said Asbury President Emeritus Dr. Sandra Gray. “The influence of his dedicated leadership at Asbury University as trustee, president, and friend continues. He was faithful to Christ-centered higher education, steadfast in purpose. The global reach of Dr. Rader’s impact is fully known only by God, but for those of us who knew and loved him, his legacy is eternal.”

In Spring 2023, the Asbury University community celebrated with the Raders at the dedication of the Rader Student Center. In the heart of campus, this building serves as the hub of student activity and honors the couple’s long legacy of humble leadership and service at Asbury and around the world. With a desire to celebrate a couple who faithfully served both organizations, The Salvation Army led a fundraising effort to name the revitalized Student Center (formerly the Morrison-Kenyon Library), in honor of the Raders, who boldly and courageously proclaimed the Gospel in and through their ministry, opening the door for many to come into fellowship with Christ.

Rader’s career with The Salvation Army began after graduating from Asbury College. Commissioned as officers, Rader and his wife launched a ministry that would span nearly four decades, including more than 20 years in Korea, where they became fluent in Korean. Rader earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1959, a Master of Theology degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1961 and a Doctor of Missiology degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1973.

In 1994, Rader was elected the first American-born General of The Salvation Army with an unprecedented unanimous vote and held this London-based role of international leader until 1999. During these years, Dr. Kay Rader was the World President of The Salvation Army Women’s Organizations.

Upon Paul and Kay’s retirement from The Salvation Army, C.E. Crouse, Jr. ’68, who was Asbury’s chair of the board of trustees, recalls the initial conversations with him about becoming Asbury’s next president.

“On behalf of Asbury’s board of trustees, I invited him to consider stepping into the role of Asbury’s interim president,” said Crouse, who still serves as a board member. “Dr. Rader graciously accepted and was later elected president. I had the privilege of working closely with him during those years and deeply appreciate the contribution his service made to Asbury University.”

Those contributions have been felt by students, faculty and staff for many years and will continue for generations to come.

“As a student, trustee and president, Dr. Paul Rader personified the tenets of Asbury University,” said current Board of Trustees Chair Larry Brown ’80. “Throughout his life he demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, spiritual vitality, leadership and service for the purpose of advancing the cause of Christ. His dedication to the Lord’s work and Asbury University set a high mark for us all to emulate. Dr. Rader is now receiving his reward in the presence of his Savior.”

Rader was born March 14, 1934, in New York City. He is survived by his wife and three children, Edie Rader Moon (Jack ’73), JP ’83 (Helen Rehner ’80) and Jennifer Rader ’87 Purvis (Ray) and their families, along with countless spiritual sons and daughters worldwide. More than 10 of his immediate family are Asbury graduates. His dozens of awards — including Asbury’s highest alumni award, the ‘A’ Award, board appointments and honors throughout his lifetime — pale in comparison to the fulfillment he found in sharing the love of Christ with others and his commitment to live out the Great Commission with missionary service around the world.

To learn more about Rader’s life and legacy, visit the Paul Alexander Rader obituary, or watch a commemorative video produced by Asbury University during the Rader Student Center dedication in spring 2023.