Asbury’s 100th Named Class Identity Welcomes Incoming Students to a Legacy of Faith, Community, and Perseverance
Asbury University has announced the Valiant Class of 2030, welcoming incoming students into one of the institution’s most distinctive and enduring traditions. As Asbury’s 100th named class, the Valiant Class joins a century-long legacy of students united by shared identity, common purpose and commitment to Christ-centered community.
For generations, Asbury class identities have helped shape the student experience from the first days of college through graduation and beyond. Each incoming class receives a name, verse, logo, class advisors and class sponsors that become a shared point of belonging throughout the Asbury experience. Class identity serves as a reminder that Asbury students are part of something larger than themselves, a community rooted in faith, relationships, and transformation.
One of the most visible expressions of this tradition takes place on the steps of Hughes Auditorium. As freshmen, students gather for their first official class photo, marking the beginning of their Asbury journey. Four years later, they return to the same location in caps and gowns for a graduation photo celebrating the growth, friendships and memories formed along the way.
At Asbury, we have a vision that all students will belong, become, and be set apart. One of the many ways we achieve that vision is by rooting students in a class identity. This is not simply a label – it is a means of being deeply woven into the fabric of a community seeking to look more like Christ and forging deeper connections with one another. Class identity is one of the many unique distinctives that make Asbury a special community.”
The Valiant Class of 2030 draws its identity from Hebrews 12, a chapter that calls followers of Jesus to perseverance, faithfulness, and unwavering focus on God. The class selected Hebrews 12 as its guiding chapter, with particular emphasis on verses 1-3:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith..."
Hebrews 12 provides a vision for what the Valiant Class leaders hope incoming students will experience throughout their years at Asbury. The passage speaks to endurance, courage, and faithful discipleship while reminding students that they are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses” who have gone before them.
That imagery carries special significance for the Valiant Class of 2030. As Asbury’s 100th named class, these students become part of a story written across generations of Asburians whose lives, faith, and influence continue to shape the University today.
At Asbury, our Class Identity tradition is designed to create a sense of belonging. From the beginning of a student's journey, it shapes a shared identity and connects each class to the generations of Asburians who have helped define Asbury’s story. In an increasingly disconnected world, it reflects what makes Asbury special: a Christ-centered environment where students are known, connected, and invited to be part of something larger than themselves.”
Leading the Valiant Class of 2030 are class advisors Paul and Kelly Stephens and class sponsors Julianne Knox and Kyle Wood.
Paul and Kelly Stephens have called Asbury and Wilmore home since 2004 and are returning to class advisor service after previously serving the Ransomed Class of 2016. Ransomed Class of 2016. Their role will be to encourage, mentor, and invest in students throughout their Asbury experience.
We are thrilled that we get the honor to serve as Class Advisors for the Valiant Class of 2030. Our goal is be with these students every step of the way throughout their journey.”
Julianne Knox, a marketing major from Lexington, Kentucky, has served as a resident assistant and currently serves as executive publicist of Student Congress. Kyle Wood, a media communication major from Louisville, Kentucky, has served in the Student Activities Cabinet and as a spiritual life assistant in Johnson Hall.
We can’t wait to meet these students and get to know them. We’re excited to serve as big siblings on campus!”
As the Valiant Class of 2030 prepares to arrive in Wilmore, Kentucky, for the fall 2026 semester, students will begin a journey marked by friendship, spiritual growth, perseverance and purpose. Together, they will carry forward a century-long tradition while writing the next chapter of Asbury’s story.
Asbury’s 100th named class serves as a reminder that while each class identity is unique, every student joins the same enduring mission: belonging, becoming and being set apart for Christ.
Discover how class identities help shape the Asbury experience from move-in day to commencement.