Office of the President
President Ellsworth Kalas
After 38 years as a pastor in four churches in Wisconsin and Ohio, and five years as an associate in evangelism with the World Methodist Council, Dr. Kalas came to Asbury in 1993 with the opening of the Beeson program, to teach preaching and to serve as mentor to the Beeson pastors. He joined Asbury's School of Theology preaching faculty in July 2000. Previously serving as interim dean of the Beeson International Center, Dr. Kalas is now assuming the responsibilities as Asbury's president. One of Asbury's most beloved scholars, Kalas has had more than thirty of his books published by a variety of publishers, as well as 12 adult study quarterlies for the United Methodist Publishing House. He has recorded the entire Bible on audiotape, along with his Grand Sweep devotionals. Additionally, he is the author of Christian Believer, an intensive study of Christian doctrine produced by the United Methodist Publishing House for interdenominational use. A video component, "Behind the Pages," has recently been added to his book, "Parables from the Back Side." He has two adult children, Taddy and David, and his wife, Janet, whom he married in 1994, has two adult children.
Education: Graduate of the University of Wisconsin (1951), with a variety of honors, including Vilas Medal and membership in Iron Cross; Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary (1954), with distinction. Two years of additional graduate study at the University of Wisconsin (American history) and Harvard University. Honorary degrees from Lawrence University (l965), Asbury Theological Seminary (l986), Kentucky Wesleyan College, (2004).