Office of Intercultural Affairs

At Asbury University, we desire and commit to live interculturally. This commitment encompasses a posture of mutuality, humility and hospitality with a conducive campus climate for all. As an institution in the Wesleyan Holiness tradition Asbury prioritizes the mission to, “do all the good we can, by all the means we can, in all the ways we can, in all the places we can, at all the times we can, to all the people we can, as long as ever we can.” – John Wesley.

At Asbury, more than 20 percent of its students represent racial and ethnic diversity from around the country and the world. We celebrate this growth as we continue to enhance our community.

Our efforts have humble beginnings. While we recognize and understand the challenges of this work, we desire to fully reflect the Kingdom of God here at Asbury. From academics to student life, intercultural focus is built into the university’s foundation, solidified by the biblical truth that God calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves, just as He first loved us. To that end, Asbury believes racial, ethnic and cultural diversity and cultural responsibility emerge out of this Christian ethic, and that all the members of our family are made in the image of God.

This Christian ethic integral to our work begins at recruitment and carries through a vibrant and welcoming campus community life.

Working with the Office of the President, the Office of Intercultural Affairs led by the Associate Vice President for Intercultural Affairs & Spiritual Development provides strategic leadership and guidance in cultural competence at Asbury and is primarily responsible for institutional outcomes rooted in Asbury’s commitment to be a Christian community that practices hospitality, mutuality, redemptive social action, and grace-filled reconciliation.

Diversity efforts and engagement are continually represented throughout our campus, including:

• The Office of Intercultural Life supports the mission of Asbury University by facilitating awareness, understanding, respect and appreciation for cultural diversity, and ensures the academic success and overall satisfaction of international, third culture, and U.S. ethnic minority students.
• Student Intercultural Program (SIP) is a collection of committees that promote the education, celebration, and ministry potential of diverse student populations through various programs and seminars.
• Intercultural Development and Awareness Committee (IDAC) is a faculty-led committee that provides opportunities and resources for faculty cultural responsibility development.
• The Asbury University 2019-2029 Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), The Imago Dei Initiative: Embracing Cultural Responsibility, aims to foster and cultivate cultural competency as an institutional initiative.
• Diversity and Inclusion Resources contains resources on diversity with the intent that we read widely on this issue as an academic institution. It is our hope, as a Wesleyan Holiness institution, that we are well versed in all academic fields.

On-Campus Initiatives

Throughout the last century Asbury University has cultivated a community that reflects the diversity of the people of God, honoring and valuing persons of all cultures and ethnicities as awareness and understanding of this concept have deepened over time. This commitment is also included in our academic curriculum, with every student required to complete a cross-cultural experience in order to graduate. And throughout the year, special events and initiatives help further embed these values into the fabric of our university.

The Embrace Conference is a two-day event focused on understanding and engaging the practice of racial reconciliation. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:18 that the work of reconciliation was a ministry given to us through the reconciling act of Jesus Christ, who was reconciling the world to God. We are invited to be reconciled to God and in doing so reconcile with each other as made in God’s image.

We also partner with the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, Vanguard University – Jessie Miranda Center for Hispanic Leadership and Partnerships I Partners For Youth (partners4youth.org).

We at Asbury celebrate that our ethnicities are not lost within the family of God but are enhanced and enriched with the uniqueness of each ethnicity and race that is present in our community. Special projects like the Now You See Me Series elevate this beauty and reality of God’s creation. We are proud that now more than ever, Asbury has a deeper commitment to embody the God-ordained diversity of humanity.

Racial and Ethnic Diversity Timeline