Sherry Powers, Ed.D.

Provost
Chief Academic Officer

Department: Provost

Office: Hager

Biographical Information

Dr. Sherry Powers is Asbury University’s Provost and Chief Academic Officer. She came to Asbury with more than 20 years of experience in higher education, most recently spending the last six years at Eastern Kentucky University as Dean of the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences.

Powers, who is an Asbury alumna, served Asbury as Dean of Education from 2012-2016. She was previously a professor, Associate Dean and the Director of the School of Teacher Education in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Western Kentucky University. Prior to entering higher education, she first had a career in social work before teaching elementary education and working as a reading specialist. Her leadership and rich education experience will help further the mission of Asbury through her work with faculty, staff and students.

Powers holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Asbury, a master’s degree in education with reading specialization from the University of Kentucky, and a doctoral degree in instruction and administration reading specialization, also from UK. She also earned an elementary education certification from EKU and attended the Harvard Performance Assessment in Higher Education Institute and the Harvard Management Development Program, as well as the Academy for Leadership Development, sponsored by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.

Powers has also held the role of Board of Trustee and the President of the Alumni Association of Asbury University from 2004-2005. In addition to her long and successful career in higher education, she brings an enduring love for Asbury, a deep understanding and appreciation for its mission, and a vision for students.

Dr. Powers and her husband, Dr. Mike Powers live in Lexington, Ky. Her son, Jonathan Powers is a professor at Asbury Theological Seminary. Jonathan and his wife, Faith Powers, live in Wilmore with their daughters Audrey and Elizabeth. Her daughter, Leah Powers, is currently a doctoral student at the University of Florida.

Education

• Master’s in Education with reading specialization, University of Kentucky
• Doctoral degree in instruction and administration reading specialization, University of Kentucky