Get to know our Asbury Professors—Peter Kerr
By Heidi Heater, a sophomore from Jackson, Ky.
WILMORE, KY— Three years ago, you would have seen Professor Peter Kerr wearing military fatigues in Iraq. Today, a communications professor at Asbury College, he sports a suit and tie. Though his professional attire has changed multiple times, Kerr’s desire to tell others about his Savior has remained constant.
In 2003, Operation Iraqi Freedom deployed Kerr to Iraq to serve in public relations. The U.S. government may have thought Kerr was working for them, but Kerr said, “Everywhere I went the Lord had ministry going on.” Kerr ministered by recruiting people from bars to join Crossfire, a philosophical discussion group in which different worldviews were discussed. People joined the group to enlighten others, but left with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He says, “My mission throughout everything has been to glorify God by transforming the church.”
Throughout his military career, Kerr worked with almost every large national and international media outlet, such as CNN, CBS, NBC, London Times and Aljazeera. He oversaw media relations, training White House staff, senior generals and Department of Defense officials at the Pentagon to meet with the media. He even led media relations in the D.C. area for former President Ronald Reagan’s state funeral.
After more than a decade of public relations service to the U.S. Air Force, Kerr felt called to the ministry and resigned to attend Asbury Theological Seminary. To earn book money, Kerr worked as an adjunct communications professor at Asbury College. He felt called to teach and is beginning his second year as a full-time professor. He said, “I consider teaching to be a ministry. It’s not just about filling students’ heads with knowledge. It’s about nourishing the whole person.”
Kerr says his military career gave him tangible experiences he uses to keep students’ interest, as well as contacts to assist with internships. Recently, he sent an intern to the U.S. Air Force Academy public relations office and another to the Pentagon. 
Kerr believes “everyone who teaches should first of all do.” Senior applied communications major, Elizabeth Schissler loves the fact that Kerr didn’t just graduate and teach, but has actually worked in the public relations field. Schissler said, “Professor Kerr does an excellent job making sure you have hands-on experiences. A lot of classes have a lot of book work, but with Professor Kerr, it’s more than that.” Over the summer, Kerr led a group of 12 communications students to New York City. The group attended the David Letterman Show, Saturday Night Live and The Morning Show, among others. The group also met Morley Safer of CBS’ 60 Minutes and was treated to a backstage tour.
Integrating faith and learning is very important to Kerr. That’s why Asbury College is a good fit. “I believe that a Christian school is the producer of the church’s leaders for tomorrow. So if you want to change the church, a Christian college is a good place to be,” said Kerr.
“Professor Kerr has done a great job showing us how Christians should approach speaking,” said Lizzy Tyler, media communications major. “He tells us how Christians communicate well and how they have made mistakes in communication. It helps you gain perspective.”
Kerr earned two bachelor’s degrees from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. He also holds a M.A. in communications from the University of Washington and a M.Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary.
Kerr, his wife Rebecca and three children, Asriel, Mikiah and Zachary make their home in Wilmore. Kerr enjoys playing soccer, racquetball, tennis, volleyball and chess. He also loves traveling with his family.
Located 20 minutes south of Lexington, Asbury College is a private, residential, liberal arts institution committed to academic excellence and spiritual vitality. Founded in 1890, the College offers 46 undergraduate majors plus graduate programs in special education, teaching English as a second language and alternative teacher certification programs in several disciplines to approximately 1,300 students. For this release and more information about Asbury College, visit www.asbury.edu.
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