View our President’s Welcome to the 2026 Incoming Class.
Dr. Kevin Brown’s President’s Welcome message begins at approximately 42:00 in the event video.
Asbury University President Dr. Kevin Brown welcomed the Valiant Class of 2030 and their families to campus during President’s Welcome in Hughes Auditorium, marking one of the first major moments of the freshmen’s Asbury experience.
Held during Welcome Weekend following move-in, the gathering brought students, families and University leaders together for encouragement, prayer and worship. Brown reminded incoming students that they are entering a community committed not only to their education, but also to who they will become during their years at Asbury.
As you start your experience at Asbury, I want you to know we will do anything for you. We will do anything to will your good. Those are not empty words."
Throughout the evening, University leaders encouraged students to embrace the opportunities, relationships and spiritual formation ahead of them. Vice President for Student Life Joe Bruner; Vice President for Enrollment Management & Marketing Jennifer McChord; Associate Dean of Student Spiritual Life and University Chaplain Jeannie Banter; Pastor of Discipleship Rev. Dr. Greg Haseloff; and Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Sherry Powers each helped welcome the Class of 2030.
Their messages reflected Asbury’s commitment to educating the whole person. From academic preparation and career readiness to meaningful relationships and spiritual growth, AU seeks to create an environment where students can belong, become and be set apart for Christ.
The evening also introduced students to the people who will walk closely with their class throughout their Asbury journey. Paul and Kelly Stephens, advisors for the Valiant Class of 2030, and class sponsors Julianne Knox and Kyle Wood offered encouragement as students began building their shared class identity.
As Asbury’s 100th named class, the Valiant Class of 2030 carries forward a century-long tradition. Inspired by Hebrews 12:1-3, the Valiant identity calls students to perseverance, courage and faithfulness while fixing their eyes on Jesus.
President’s Welcome concluded with another longstanding Asbury tradition as freshmen gathered on the steps of Hughes Auditorium for their first official class photo. Four years from now, the Class of 2030 will return to those same steps in caps and gowns, marking the friendships, growth and transformation experienced along the way.
For the Valiant Class, the photo captured more than the end of move-in day. It marked the beginning of a shared journey and an invitation to become part of a Christ-centered community committed to their growth and their good.
As the Class of 2030 begins its first semester, President’s Welcome offered a glimpse of what lies ahead: academic challenge, lifelong friendships, spiritual formation and countless opportunities to discover how God might use each student’s gifts and calling.
Together, the Valiant Class now begins its chapter in Asbury’s story, learning what it means to belong, become and be set apart.
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