We are deeply thankful for the Asbury family and the culture of generosity that continues to grow. We believe God is calling us to boldly step forward with courage, strength, and a renewed vision of what can be achieved for His glory.
Building on a strong foundation of God’s favor, strategic fundraising priorities have been identified that will advance Asbury’s mission into the future.
Our priorities are categorized into four focus areas:
1. Scholarships
2. Spiritual Formation
3. Academic Innovation
4. Student Experience
Advancing the mission of Asbury University as we build on a strong foundation to move boldly into the future.
Office of Development
(859) 858-5707
development@asbury.edu
It is not enough to make Asbury the top choice for prospective students; we must make our transformative educational experience a viable choice through robust scholarship offerings.
We are committed to putting educational opportunity within reach of outstanding students, regardless of their financial circumstances. Therefore, 100 percent of Asbury students receive financial support. However, as enrollment increases and the cost for higher education continues to rise, the need to grow our scholarship funds is essential.
Scholarships attract and retain students with a variety of gifts, interests, abilities and backgrounds — allowing Asbury to better reflect the diverse body of Christ.
There are three primary ways to invest in scholarship aid for Asbury University students:
When you give to the University’s general student scholarship fund, the Fund for Asbury University, every dollar invested is awarded directly to students in support of their tuition.
A named scholarship offers a meaningful way to honor a loved one or a favorite professor or to carry on your own legacy.
Establishing a permanent Endowed Scholarship takes a minimum commitment of $30,000. Gifts made to endowed funds are never spent; instead, those gifts are invested and a portion of the income is awarded annually in perpetuity.
Annual Scholarships can be created with a three-year commitment of at least $5,000 with all the gifted funds disbursed in scholarship aid for students in the year they are received.
Asbury students are introduced to the joy of living set-apart lives of holiness, marked by servant-leadership and tender-hearted compassion. We are intentional about offering opportunities that nurture the spiritual growth of our entire student body.
SET APART RETREATS
Asbury is the only university in the country that offers all-expenses-paid Christian worldview retreats for new students. Launched in fall 2022, the Christian Life Project’s Set Apart Retreats offer freshmen and sophomores a unique opportunity to deepen their faith while preparing to live sanctified, set-apart lives as ambassadors of Christ.
In a time when many young Christians lack a biblical worldview, this program answers a profound need. Set Apart Retreats cultivate an environment where new Asburians can explore their Kingdom identity and purpose, learn to integrate their faith into daily life, build a biblical foundation to withstand cultural pressures, and connect with like-minded peers and mentors in Christian fellowship.
When you invest in Set Apart Retreats, you are providing an opportunity for students to say ‘yes’ to Jesus during their days apart with mentors and friends.
“We are so grateful for the opportunity for our daughter to attend the Set Apart Retreat. She has grown so much in her faith and stepped out independently in her walk with the Lord.” -Vickie Bobb
Academic excellence at Asbury means providing our students with a rigorous, relevant education that uniquely equips them with the requisite skills necessary to navigate the complexities of tomorrow’s dynamic, technology-driven, information-saturated global economy. Innovation and market-sensitivity are at the center of our vision for expanding and enhancing Asbury’s academic programs.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING LAUNCH
With our commitment to the care and development of the whole person, our belief in the sanctity of life and that humans are created in God’s image, and our knowledge of the ongoing nursing shortage, Asbury University is launching a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.
A CRITICAL NEED
We seek to raise $4.5 million to fulfill the financial requirements essential for the successful launch of the nursing program and to have clinical labs completed by spring 2027.
Together, we can fulfill the vision to prepare nurses who are not only highly skilled but also spiritually grounded, holistically nurtured, and resilient against professional burnout — ready to serve with compassion and excellence in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.
“We strive for academic excellence because nursing is both a science and an art, requiring our students to be deeply knowledgeable and highly skilled. Also, we recognize the importance of spiritual vitality. By mentoring students in their walk with Christ, we help them approach nursing as a calling, fostering resilience, compassion, and purpose that sustain a lifetime of holistic and evidence-based professional nursing care.”
Nursing Department Floor Plan (PDF)
Nursing Program Launch (PDF)
EQUINE CENTER
Asbury’s Equine Studies program is one of our largest enrolled academic majors. Our philosophy of training celebrates the intrinsic value of the horse, fostering a partnership built on respect and understanding. As we strive to cultivate premier equine professionals who embody excellence in skill, character and servant-leadership, we are committed to ensuring that our students are equipped to thrive in the equine world while remaining true to their faith.
As we move toward expanding the Equine Program’s enrollment capacity to accommodate 200 majors, capital improvements are needed.
Key projects include:
MCCRELESS FINE ARTS RENOVATION
Built in 1962, the McCreless Fine Arts Center is home to our music program. We envision a facility where students and faculty can create music in an environment that reflects the
excellence for which Asbury is known. This vision includes continuing the impact of the newly renovated Donaldson Choral Room with additional building upgrades.
Our current fundraising focus areas are the creation of a welcoming lobby where students gather to collaborate and meet with professors, and the modernization of the band and orchestra room with a focus on acoustics and climate control.
INNOVATION FUND
Asbury University seeks to empower, encourage, and incentivize our faculty and staff to become innovative in their work as it relates to teaching, program development, and professional growth. Our vision is to foster a culture of “entrepreneurs in education.”
Your giving to the Innovation Fund unlocks the resources needed for Asbury to create new programs that meet market needs, develop solutions to industry challenges, and nurture high-impact initiatives.
At the heart of Asbury is a caring, welcoming community that inspires growth within our students. Our holistic education integrates faith and learning into every facet of campus life. To enhance the student experience, there is a need to upgrade living spaces and boost support systems to help students navigate challenges.
RESIDENCE HALL RENOVATIONS
At Asbury, we prioritize a residential campus environment because it enables students to be part of a vibrant, supportive Christian community where relationships are formed, spiritual growth is nurtured, and faith is lived out daily.
By investing in the renovation of community spaces within the residence halls, you ensure that our students can deepen their connections with one another in ways that reflect the love of Christ, strengthening the unity and camaraderie that are so important for their college experience.
“I can confidently say that Asbury has become my home. I have been surrounded by the best community I have ever had and have grown so much deeper in my relationship with Christ.” -Seth Huggard ’26, Christian Ministries major
STUDENT CARE EMERGENCY FUND
We believe every student should have access to the resources and support they need to thrive in college and finish their education. We also believe that a strong support network provides a pathway for students to deepen their faith and face life’s challenges with hope.
Student care emergency funds assist students during unanticipated life events that create financial hardships that some are just not able to overcome without support. Your investment helps our students with the issues they are facing, including housing and food insecurity, medical expenses, clothing, auto repairs, travel expenses, technology costs, and other financial challenges.
The compassionate staff in our Student Life department come alongside students who find themselves in urgent need. This allows students to remain focused on their academic and spiritual journeys, knowing they are cared for by their University family.