WILMORE, Ky., October 22, 2025—Asbury Theological Seminary is pleased to announce a series of events commemorating the inauguration of Dr. David F. Watson as the Seminary’s ninth president. The inaugural committee has prayerfully planned a four-day program of activities centered around the theme Faith and Fire: A Spirit-filled Seminary for a Changing World. This program will showcase how Asbury Seminary’s century-old mission is being stewarded into the future under exciting new leadership and is designed to include the entire community. 

The installation service is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, in Estes Chapel, and a reception will follow in the B.L. Fisher Library. In addition, a three-day lecture series has been planned from Sunday, November 2, to Tuesday, November 4, elaborating on the theme of Dr. Watson’s inauguration. A special music service will also be held on the evening of Monday, November 3. Private celebrations designed to host the faculty, staff and students of Asbury Seminary will also be held that week. A detailed listing of dates, times and locations can be found on the inauguration landing page.

The Communications Department of Asbury Seminary has planned a guided tour of the campus for any members of the media before the installation service. The guided tour will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, with a light lunch to follow. Individual interviews with Dr. Watson are also available. To inquire further, please contact the Communications Department at (859) 858-2178 or communications.office@asburyseminary.edu.