BIO

Rev. Dr. Esther D. Jadhav is Associate Vice President for Intercultural Affairs & Spiritual Development at Asbury University.

As a researcher and practitioner, she has focused on developing initiatives and programs that elevate the critical role of theology in activating cultural responsibility as an institutional distinctive. In her current role, Esther provides institutional leadership, and guidance across the university in all areas of cultural responsiveness and spiritual development with primary responsibility for institutional outcomes rooted in Asbury’s commitment to be a Christian Community that practices hospitality, mutuality, redemptive social action, and grace-filled reconciliation. Bringing her academic background in Anthropology, Sociology and Theology, and experiences in diverse settings to this effort, Esther combines her passion for Christian higher education and the Church to help communities thrive.

Education

  • Ph.D. Intercultural Studies, Emphasis: Contextual Theology, Asbury Theological Seminary – 2021.
    • Dissertation: The Impact of Theology on the Development of Cultural Intelligence among College Students at an Evangelical Liberal Arts University
  • Th.M., Emphasis: World Missions and Evangelism, Asbury Theological Seminary – 2013.
    • Scholarly Paper: A Wesleyan Theology of Cultural Competence 
    • Faculty Supervisors: Dr. Howard A. Snyder & Dr. Steven J. Ybarrola
  • M.Div., Asbury Theological Seminary – 2003.
  • B.A., St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai University, Mumbai, India – 1998.
    • Majors: Anthropology and Sociology

Fellowships

2023 – Manchester Wesley Research Center, Visiting Research Fellow. Manchester, United Kingdom.

Publications

  • Jadhav, Esther D. (2020). The Place of Theology in Diversity Efforts in Christian Higher Education: A Wesleyan Perspective. The Asbury Journal.
  • Jadhav, Esther D. (2014). A Wesleyan Theology of Cultural Competence. The Academic Open Press, Asbury Theological Seminary.

Presentations

  • November 2021, Faith, Culture and Cultural Responsibility, Seminar presented at the AIKCU Diversity Summit.
  • October 2021, Kingdom Conference Panelist, Honoring the Life and Legacy of Renee Padilla, Asbury Theological Seminary.
  • September 2021, Cultural Intelligence Podcast, Global Strategy, Church of God Ministries.
  • January 2021, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as Spiritual Leader, 2021 MLK Unity Breakfast, sponsored by Alpha Beta Lambda Chapter Education Foundation, Inc. Lexington, Kentucky.
  • October 2019, The Role of Theology in Cultivating Cultural Responsibility, Seminar presented at the CCCU Diversity Conference, George Fox University, Newberg, Oregon.
  • October 2019, The Place of Theology in Diversity Efforts in Christian Higher Education: A Wesleyan Perspective. Paper presented at the Advanced Research Programs Interdisciplinary Colloquium and served as a Student Panelist, Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, KY.
  • June 2019, How our Culture plays a part in Pursuing God’s Heart, Session Speaker, Youth Becoming Leaders. Asbury University, Wilmore, KY.
  • June 2014, A Wesleyan Theology of Cultural Competence. Paper presented at APM, Association of Professors of Missiology, National Conference at Northwestern University, Minneapolis, MN.
  • June 2014, Cultural Competence in the Church Today: Developing awareness, knowledge and skills. Presentation made at Lexington District Conference, Kentucky Annual Conference, UMC, Lexington, KY.

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