Dr. David Watson: Together in Mission

As we welcome a new academic year, I want to pause and offer a heartfelt word of thanks to you, our alumni. Your partnership makes an extraordinary difference at Asbury Theological Seminary. 

Though final enrollment numbers are still coming in, we are encouraged by a strong incoming class and expect to meet, or come very close to, our recruitment goals. Many of you have faithfully shared the story of Asbury with prospective students, encouraging women and men to consider God’s call and pointing them to a place where they can be equipped for ministry. Your advocacy is one of the most powerful tools we have in student recruitment, and I am deeply grateful for the role you play in helping to bring the next generation of servant-leaders to Asbury. 

Your generosity also blesses those students who are here now. Through your giving, you provide scholarships, strengthen our programs, and create opportunities that allow our students to grow in faith and knowledge. Because of you, students are able to pursue their calling without the burden of overwhelming financial obstacles, and they experience firsthand the faithfulness of God through the support of His people.

I want to share some transitions in leadership here at Asbury Seminary:

• Dr. Jessica LaGrone has been appointed as Executive Director of the Beeson Center. Dr. LaGrone served faithfully and capably as Dean of the Chapel for eleven years. She is a recognized leader in the global Wesleyan movement, serving currently as the Chair of the Connectional Council of the Global Methodist Church. As a reputable preacher in the Wesleyan tradition, she is widely sought after as a preacher and speaker. The primary emphases of the Beeson Center are preaching and leadership, and Dr. LaGrone excels in both areas. Dr. LaGrone has expressed great enthusiasm for her new role, and I’m excited to see what God will do through her leadership. This restructuring marks a significant step toward optimizing Asbury Seminary’s mission effectiveness, expanding its service to the Church, and renewing its commitment to Spirit-empowered leadership development for the next generation.
• Dr. Tesia Mallory succeeds Dr. LaGrone as Dean of the Chapel. She brings considerable experience and expertise to this role, having served in leadership positions at the local church, seminary, and denominational levels. Dr. Mallory has been instrumental in providing liturgical resources for the Global Methodist Church and beyond. She is chairing the committee to produce a denominational book of worship. She is also a member of the GMC’s 2026 General Conference worship team, with specific responsibilities related to contemporary worship music. Her gifts in music, liturgy, and preaching, along with her collaborative and open leadership style, will bless our community. 
• We are delighted to welcome Dr. Scott Kisker to our academic team. Dr. Kisker begins his role as Associate Provost on September 1, 2025. Dr. Kisker brings significant experience in academic administration, serving most recently as Associate Dean at United Theological Seminary for 12 years. During his time at United, he developed the seminary’s house-of-study programs, the certificate programs for the Global Methodist Church’s alternative educational pathway, and a course-scheduling matrix that would maximize efficiency in faculty deployment. Asbury Seminary is thrilled to have Scott use his gifts for the benefit of our institution.

It is my privilege to serve among such a faithful community at Asbury Theological Seminary. I am confident that God is with us, guiding us as we prepare students to serve Christ and His church around the world. Please continue to pray that God will bless our work, direct our steps, and multiply our efforts for His Kingdom.

With gratitude,

David F. Watson
President, Asbury Theological Seminary

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