Celebrating retiring faculty contributions
WILMORE, KY—After a combined 233 years of dedicated service, ten Asbury College faculty are retiring. They have made tremendous impacts on their students and their discipline.
Thomas Moore
Professor Thomas Moore retires from the behavioral sciences department after 13 of service to Asbury College. At the College, Moore taught classes in sociology, discussing methods, concepts and perspectives to assist students in studying the patterns of society in order to advocate change. Moore holds degrees from San Diego State University, the University of Michigan and the University of California, Berkley.
Frank Wilbur
Professor Frank Wilbur retires from the natural sciences department after 20 years of service to Asbury College. “I chose science before surrendering to the lordship of Christ, but when I surrendered to Him during my fifth year in graduate school, I gave over my interest in biology as well,” Wilbur said. “At every career transition after that point, I had a choice to make—obey and go where I was clearly being called, or disobey and stay where I was comfortable. By obeying, I have found a vehicle into ministry with many young people in different places at different times.”
Tom Harper
Professor Thomas Harper retires from the HPERA department after 35 of service to Asbury College. An avid tennis player, Harper coached tennis at the College for 30 years. In retirement, Harper plans to enjoy retirement by teaching tennis, traveling with his wife, doing handy-man projects and entertaining his grandsons. He holds degrees from Asbury College, Eastern Kentucky University and Indiana University.
Jan Harper
Associate Professor Jan Harper retires from the Christian Ministries and Missions department after 26 of service to Asbury College. Harper served in local church educational ministry for several years prior to her arrival at Asbury College. At the College, she taught in the areas of children’s ministry, spiritual formation and leadership and administration. Harper inspired students to become active members in the church and to maintain an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. In retirement, Harper plans to continue to be a part of the community by starting a Bible study to nurture relationships and continue Christian fellowship. 
Rudy Medlock
Professor Rudy Medlock retires from the art department after 36 of service to Asbury College. Medlock received the 2007-2008 Francis White Ewbank Excellence in Teaching Award from Asbury College. One of Medlock’s students said, “Professor Medlock’s first love is for the Lord. His second love is for his students, and his third is for his subject. Medlock seeks everyday to bring these three loves together both in and out of the classroom. His Christ-like spirit meets with his vocation as an artist and teacher to encourage students in finding their own callings and learning to be obedient to the work they have been ‘given to do by,’ as he says, ‘the Creator of the universe.’” In retirement, he plans to run the Potter’s Inn Bed and Breakfast in Wilmore.
Art Nonneman
Art Nonneman, professor and chair of the behavioral sciences department, retires after 18 years at Asbury College. Before teaching at the College, Nonneman spent 17 years at the University of Kentucky teaching undergraduate students, training graduate students and participating in research. In 1996, Nonneman and his wife Kathy served as advisers for the Proclaimer Class. “This was a blessing beyond measure,” Nonneman said. “We were privileged to enter into the lives of our wonderful students in a way that we never could have planned or even imagined. We retain what we believe to be life-long friendship from that experience.” In retirement, Nonneman plans to travel with his wife and friends. He hopes to do some writing and volunteer at church.
Virginia Bowles
Virginia Bowles, assistant professor of music, retires after 21 years of service to Asbury College. Bowles came to the College after spending time in Boston where she performed as a soloist in the New England area, including the Harvard University Choir and Polymnia. She also soloed at the Straussbourg Festival in France.
At Asbury College Bowles aided students in setting up the first Kentucky college student chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. She will continue to serve as a part time vocal instructor for the College.
Thomas Life
Thomas Life, professor of French, retires after 24 years of service to Asbury College. “Tom Life has been a wonderful colleague: always patient, kind, caring, helpful,” said Dr. Shelby Thacker, chair of the World Languages Department. Life enjoyed teaching at an institution that promoted Christian values while supporting the pursuit of academic excellence. As a professor, he began every class by leading the students in French hymns and Scripture songs. Through this exercise he desired to move students into the French world and allow them to worship God in any language.
Phil Thornton
Professor Phil Thornton retires from the Christian ministries and missions department after teaching 28 years at Asbury College. “My greatest delight is to look over the list of May graduates from the mission program and see all the places where they now serve,” Thornton said. “From India to Africa, from Latin America to Europe, indeed, the sun never sets on the Ministry of Asbury College!” In retirement, Thornton will serve as Vice President of Field Ministries for GO International where he will be responsible to oversee all international partnerships and church planting efforts.
Ray Fellows
Ray Fellows, chair of the business and economics department, retires after serving the College 12 years. Before coming to Asbury College, Fellows served 26 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring with Air Crew Member Wings, the Master Space Badge and several military decorations, including the Legion of Merit, the Air Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. In retirement Fellows believes, “God will keep me praying, singing, and dancing with his people all over the world.”
Released: May 22, 2008
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Tagged: features, faculty, academics, behavioral-sciences, natural-sciences, art, music, HPER, christian-ministries, world-languages and business-economics
