WILMORE, Ky., May 7, 2024 — Asbury Theological Seminary, a 100-year-old institution preparing men and women for worldwide Christian service, has named Dr. David J. Gyertson interim president. With a distinguished career marked by presidential roles at three Christian universities, Gyertson brings unparalleled commitment to and expertise in Christian higher education. A respected leader in Christian leadership, applied theology, and higher education studies, Gyertson’s appointment comes during a pivotal transitional period for Asbury Seminary.

“There is no better person to lead Asbury Seminary during this interim period than Dr. Gyertson,” said Karen E. Thomas, Chairperson of the Seminary’s Board of Trustees. “His profound understanding of our institution, paired with his collaborative leadership approach, promises to be invaluable for us. We believe his tenure will not only fortify our foundation but also inspire our community as we remain steadfast in our commitment to nurturing individuals for Christian service and leadership. Dr. Gyertson has the full support of the Board and we’re thrilled he has accepted this position.”

An ordained elder in the Free Methodist Church, Gyertson has a diverse leadership background spanning higher education, publishing, consulting, and ministry. His extensive experience includes senior positions in pastoral, charitable, and educational environments, both domestically and internationally. Gyertson’s previous presidential tenures at Regent University (Va.), Asbury University (Ky.), and Taylor University (Ind.) underscore his exceptional leadership credentials.

Gyertson first joined the Seminary in 1983 as Vice President for Advancement. He returned in 2015 as Associate Provost and Dean of Asbury Seminary’s Beeson Center while concurrently holding the position of Professor of Leadership Formation and Renewal. Currently, Gyertson is an Affiliate Professor at the Seminary and serves as a leadership succession consultant, executive coach, and governance facilitator to faith-based organizations. He specializes in onboarding new presidents and board chairs, governance training, transition planning, and special projects implementation. He is a research specialist for the new Lilly Endowment funded Board governance initiative with the InTrust Center for Theological Education. To date, Gyertson has consulted with more than 30 universities and seminaries. He holds a Ph.D. from Michigan State University with concentrations in higher education administration, organizational and cross-cultural communications, and innovation/change theory.

“I am honored to assist the Seminary during this transition period,” said Gyertson. “It is a privilege to stand alongside dedicated trustees, faculty, administration and staff as we work and pray together to prepare for the arrival of our next President. The Seminary’s mission has never been more needed, and our potential never greater, as we build on the foundations laid by Dr. Tennent and his exceptional team to serve our Lord’s calling in these important times.”

Dr. Timothy C. Tennent, the outgoing president of Asbury Seminary, will transition to the role of professor of World Christianity in the E. Stanley Jones School of Mission and Ministry. His tenure as president will conclude on June 30, 2024, after 15 years of dedicated service. A national search for Dr. Tennent’s successor is currently underway.

About Asbury Theological Seminary

Asbury Theological Seminary was founded in 1923 to prepare and send forth well-trained, sanctified, Spirit-filled, evangelistic ministers to spread scriptural holiness around the world. Today tens of thousands of Asbury Theological Seminary graduates flourish in every state, on every continent, and in every time zone, reaching the world through evangelism, missions, church planting, preaching, teaching, and counseling. The sun never sets on its graduates. Asbury Theological Seminary continues its mission in providing holistic ministerial preparation as an interdenominational institution with a flagship campus in Wilmore, Ky. and extension sites in Colorado Springs, Memphis, Orlando, Tampa, and Tulsa.