Asbury University Celebrates Faculty Book Publications

Ten Asbury professors share new works spanning literature, theology, education, and social science

Asbury University celebrated recent publications by ten University professors by hosting a faculty book reception on April 9 in the Shaw Collaborative Learning Center’s SEARCH Studio. The Asbury event featured brief presentations in which each author shared insights into their work and the inspiration behind their writing.

The featured books represented a wide range of disciplines and interests. Among them were:

• Dr. Rebecca Briley – Boasts Against the Current: A Retelling of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby
• Dr. Devin Brown – Twenty Timeless Poems: An Owl’s Nest Anthology
• Dr. Laura Dryjanska – Human Trafficking in the Artificial Intelligence Era
• Dr. Paul Nesselroade ’89 – Essentials of Behavioral and Social Science Statistics
• Dr. Suzanne Nicholson – Cooperating with the Holy Spirit: Theological and Practical Reflections on the Asbury Outpouring
• Dr. Allen Rivas Prado – Flamenco, Tango, and Folklore: Transatlantic Progressivism in Seven Musicals by Carlos Saura.
• Dr. Allie Rhodes and Dr. Victoria Slocum – An Evidence-Based Guide to Assistive Technology: Meeting the Needs of All Students with Disabilities 
• Dr. Brian Shelton ’89 – Theology of a Diary: The 1949 St. Louis Exorcism
• Dr. Thane Ury – Random Neural Firings of a Wayfaring Missionary Kid

Honoring and celebrating faculty scholarship is essential at Asbury University.”

Dr. Sherry Powers Asbury University Provost and Chief Academic Officer

“Advancing scholarly research and publications supports faculty as they continue developing subject-matter expertise, contributing to theoretical frameworks, influencing policy and practice, and engaging students in relevant learning experiences. It is a privilege to host the annual Faculty Book Reception recognizing faculty intellectual contributions that advance the institutional mission, foster academic excellence, and facilitate the intellectual curiosity of our community.”

Attendees enjoyed light hors d’oeuvres while connecting with authors and exploring the ideas behind their publications. The reception served as both a celebration of faculty achievement and a meaningful expression of the university’s vibrant intellectual life.

Asbury University professors continue to further research in their fields.