WILMORE, Ky., July 23, 2025—Asbury Theological Seminary is pleased to welcome Rev. Dr. Tesia Mallory as its new Dean of Chapel, beginning this summer. She succeeds Rev. Dr. Jessica LaGrone, who will now serve as Executive Director of the Seminary’s Beeson Center for Biblical Preaching and Leadership.

An ordained elder in the Global Methodist Church, Dr. Mallory comes from United Theological Seminary, where she served as Dean of the Chapel and Lecturer in Worship. She brings wide-ranging experience in worship leadership and theology, preaching, and mentoring.

“As a Wesleyan committed to scriptural holiness and Spirit-filled living, I’m humbled and honored to join the team at Asbury,” said Dr. Mallory. “I’m excited to follow Dr. LaGrone and bring my passion for worship and liturgy to an already excellent chapel program.”

Rev. Dr. J. Matthew Barnes, Vice President of Student Life and Formation, shared, “Dr. Mallory brings a rare blend of theological depth, pastoral experience, and creativity. Her leadership will be a gift to our entire community.”

Dr. LaGrone served for over eleven years, shaping a community rooted in Spirit-filled worship. “It has been one of the greatest joys of my life to serve as Dean of Chapel,” she said. “I’m deeply grateful for the privilege and couldn’t be more excited about Dr. Mallory’s appointment. The chapel ministry will flourish under her care.”

President David F. Watson affirmed, “As Dr. LaGrone steps into her new role, God has brought a worthy successor in Dr. Mallory—faithful, called, and remarkably gifted.”

Dr. Mallory holds a Doctor of Ministry with a focus in Wesleyan eucharistic theology and has contributed to worship resources across the Wesleyan tradition, including Our Great Redeemer’s Praise, O For a Heart to Praise Our God, and The Next Methodism: Grace, Healing, and Unity in the Breaking of Bread.

Rev. Dr. Jonathan Powers, Interim Dean of the School of Mission and Ministry, noted, “Tesia embodies the spirit of John 4:23—raising up those who worship the Father in spirit and in truth. Her love for worship, her pastoral heart, and her scholarship make her a true gift to the Asbury community.”

Dr. Watson added, “She is one of the most important voices in the Wesleyan movement today. We look forward to what God will do through her ministry.”

In addition to her academic work, Dr. Mallory is a gifted musician and songwriter. She and her husband, Jimmy—also an ordained elder in the Global Methodist Church—have two children, Julian and Leland.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Mallory to Asbury Seminary and in giving thanks for the faithful leadership of Dr. LaGrone.