Asbury College moves toward University Status
In a few short months, Asbury College will transition into Asbury
University. This transition is vitally important for the future of
Asbury as we seek to better fulfill the mission and vision of our
institution. Changes are already taking place with the reorganization
of the academic structure. As of this academic year, we have four new
colleges/schools: College of Arts and Sciences; School of Graduate and Professional
Studies; School of Education; and School of Communication Arts. This infrastructure
facilitates growth, creativity and innovation at the departmental level
while at the same time maintaining Asbury's longtime commitment to the
liberal arts across all academic programs.
Asbury College has been moving toward University status for many years with the addition of multi-level programs. In addition to our traditional undergraduate program, Asbury has started the Asbury Academy for high school students and the Achieve program for adult studies. We also offer associate degrees and several master’s degrees. We have plans to increase our offerings every year to accommodate our changing student body and its needs.
You may also be aware that Asbury College is now a multi-location institution with campus sites in Wilmore, in Nicholasville at Jessamine County Technology Center, in Orlando, and online. Studies have shown that the demographics of college students are changing and have been for many years. One of our fastest growing programs on campus is our adult studies program, which now enrolls more than 160 students.
Our academic reorganization into schools further supports the university model. Moving to the university model simply reflects the current reality of who we are.
A number of factors serve as the impetus for the transition to university status, some of which are identified below:
- To better fulfill the mission and vision of the institution
- To accurately reflect our current structure and identity
- To reflect our commitment to expanded programming in keeping with the institutional mission
- To reflect our multi-level programs
- To reflect our multi-locational programs
- To position the institution for future growth
- To be more competitive in international venues
- To increase fund raising capacity, especially with respect to foundations
- To distinguish our institution as a liberal arts university separate from the Seminary
- To increase the visibility that we are vital and progressive
Released: Nov. 10, 2009
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Tagged: news, university, achieve and breaking-news
