Dayton School of Business

About the Dayton School of Business

The Dayton School of Business at Asbury University is rooted in a commitment to ethical leadership, stewardship, and innovation. Inspired by the legacy of Howard Dayton, the program integrates biblical principles with business education, preparing students to lead with integrity. 

Through a blend of academic rigor and practical application, students develop the skills needed to succeed in corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial environments.


Who is Howard Dayton?

Howard Dayton’s journey from a successful career in restaurant and real estate to founding Crown Financial Ministries reflects his transformation through biblical financial principles. After a business partner challenged him to study the Bible’s teachings on money, Howard’s life was profoundly changed, leading him to share these principles through books, radio programs, and small group studies. 

In 1985, he founded Crown Ministries, which merged with Larry Burkett’s Christian Financial Concepts, becoming the world’s largest financial ministry. In 2009, he founded Compass—Finances God’s Way, focusing on teaching God’s financial principles. Howard has impacted millions through his dedication to financial discipleship. Asbury University honored his legacy by naming the Dayton School of Business after him in 2014.

Why Study Business at Asbury

Develop Skills That Set You Apart in Today’s Marketplace

Asbury’s Dayton School of Business prepares you for more than a job. It prepares you for purpose-driven leadership. Through hands-on experiences, internships, and faculty mentorship, you’ll learn how to apply business principles in real-world settings.

With opportunities like the Center for Professional Selling, national competitions, and industry partnerships, you’ll graduate with the confidence and experience employers are looking for!


What Makes Asbury Different?

From sales competitions to finance labs with real-time data, students gain practical experience that prepares them for today’s business environment. 


Courses emphasize the “triple bottom line”—profit, people, and purpose—equipping you to lead ethically in any industry. 


Through +Grad programs, students can begin an MBA or master’s degree while completing their undergraduate studies, saving time and money.


Advisory councils, faculty mentors, and industry partnerships connect students with professionals and real career opportunities.

So rare a find it is to have a student body so immersed in the Lord and what he desires for their future. Their curiosity is evident, their passion is clear, and their love for each other, their school, and Jesus Christ could not be more obvious."
Callie Napier the Executive Director Compass Kentucky. Callie Napier Executive Director Compass-Kentucky, Inc.
During my time at Asbury, I developed a clear understanding that faith should be lived out in every aspect of life, including in the marketplace. God used my experience there to reaffirm my calling to use my career in business as a platform to shine Christ’s light and lead with integrity, excellence, and purpose."
Asbury Dayton School of Business Alumnus Colton. Colton Markland ’22 Dayton School of Business, Accounting & Finance Graduate
Asbury has been a place of immense spiritual and personal growth. I am so grateful for the community that pushed me to excel both in and out of the classroom. Asbury has taught me the importance of integrity and purpose-driven leadership, along with challenging me to pursue ventures outside my comfort zone. I want to thank the professors, mentors, friends, and family who supported me throughout this accelerated journey."
Hagan Web '25 Dayton School of Business, Finance, December graduate
During my time at Asbury University, I gained valuable knowledge not only in the classroom but beyond it. The sense of community there is truly unmatched. I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned at Asbury University's Howard and Beverly Dayton School of Business to the professional world. While I’m grateful to have graduated, I’m even more thankful for the growth, relationships, and experiences that came with those years."
Crosby Short '25 Dayton School of Business, December graduate
Through the guidance of the Asbury University's Howard and Beverly Dayton School of Business, I learned key business concepts and valuable life lessons that I will carry with me into both my career and personal life. Asbury is a place where I grew academically, professionally, and spiritually- and where I built friendships that will last a lifetime. I’m grateful for a community that challenged me, supported me, and shaped me into who I am today."
Lena Cundiff '25 Dayton School of Business, Marketing, December Graduate

The Walt & Rowena Shaw Collaborative Learning Center provides incredible hands-on learning and skill building opportunities for business students. Students have access to trading rooms with real-time stock market data, mock office suites and the Center for Professional Selling.

Asbury University Student No Debt FundAsbury University Student No Debt Fund
Asbury University recently received over $500,000 in funding from multiple donor sources to pilot the Student No Debt Fund program in Asbury’s Dayton School of Business (DSB).
The Finance Lab provides space for students and also area business leaders when they volunteer to judge the Asbury Sales Competition.
Students have the opportunity to present in a modern setting that prepares them for success.
The state of the art facility features six state of the art sales role play rooms.
Area business leaders volunteer to judge the Asbury sales competition.
Learn in collaborative classrooms where experienced faculty prepare you for your career after college.
Build meaningful relationships with classmates, faculty, alumni, and business leaders who will challenge you, support you, and help launch your career.

Dayton School of Business Advisory Council

The Dayton School of Business is pleased to introduce its new Advisory Council, established to strengthen connections between Asbury University and the broader business community. Council members, leaders who share our commitment to Christ-centered values, stewardship, and social responsibility, will provide insight to support innovation, academic excellence, and professional development. Their guidance will help ensure DSB remains a vibrant leader in faith-informed business education.

Alumni Outcomes

Graduates of the Dayton School of Business are equipped for success across industries.

Common Outcomes:

  • Careers in accounting, finance, marketing, and management
  • Roles in corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial sectors
  • Acceptance into MBA and graduate business programs
  • Leadership roles focused on ethical and purpose-driven business

With strong preparation and industry-relevant skills, graduates are ready to thrive in today’s global marketplace.

What are our Alumni Doing?

See how Asbury alumni are living out their calling and making a meaningful impact in the world.

Dayton School of Business Alesha Graves talking with Asbury student.

Meet the Dean


Alesha Graves, D.B.A., CPA leads the Dayton School of Business with a vision for integrating faith, creativity, and academic excellence.

“My favorite thing about the Dayton School of Business is that it is situated inside of a faith-based, liberal arts university. The students receive the technical education required for business disciplines, along with the integration of faith and components of the liberal arts.”

Meet our faculty

Learn from faculty who are both experienced professionals and dedicated mentors, committed to helping you grow academically, professionally, and spiritually. Their real-world experience ensures you graduate career-ready.

Asbury University Dayton School of Business Alesha Graves Headshot.
Alesha Graves, D.B.A., CPA
Associate Professor of Accounting
Dean, Dayton School of Business
Michael Keck, MBA
Assistant Professor of Business Administration
Asbury University's Michelle Smith headshot.
Michelle Smith, M.S.
Associate Professor Sport Management
Department Chair, Management and Marketing

Soar at Asbury

At Asbury, students are equipped to thrive in college and beyond. From academic opportunity to career outcomes, the numbers tell a story of growth, support, and success.

99% Career Outcomes

99% of Asbury graduates are working, in graduate school, fellowships, or internships within six months of graduation. National average: ~86% (NACE).

86.1% Retention Rate

86.1% of first-time, full-time freshmen return for their second year at Asbury. National average: 69.5% (National Student Clearinghouse).

100% Receive Aid

100% of Asbury students receive financial aid or scholarships. Every traditional undergraduate student receives support to help make an Asbury education more affordable.

120+ Areas of Study

Asbury offers 120+ areas of study across a wide range of disciplines. Students can explore their interests while preparing for their calling and career.

Asbury University student section cheering at an athletic event.

IS ASBURY WORTH THE COST? 

Yes! An Asbury education is an investment in your faith and future, who you are becoming.
Students leave Asbury prepared not only for their careers, but for lives of purpose and leadership,. With strong outcomes, meaningful relationships, and a Christ-centered foundation, AU graduates are equipped to make a lasting impact wherever they’re called.

With generous scholarships and flexible payment options, Asbury partners with families to make this transformational experience accessible and affordable. We are here to help you in this process.

Your Admissions Counselor is here to help

Your admissions counselor is here to guide you through every step, from applying to understanding financial aid and preparing for campus life.

Explore Our Programs

Find your path in business, finance, and marketing through programs designed to prepare you for impactful careers and long-term success.

Questions?
We’d love to help!


Whether you’re exploring costs, scholarships, or your next steps, our team is ready to help you find the answers you need.

Undergraduate Admissions

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