WILMORE, Ky. — By unanimous vote, Asbury University’s Board of Trustees has elected Dr. Kevin J. Brown to serve as the university’s 18th president. Beginning his tenure July 1, Brown will succeed retiring President Sandra C. Gray.
The announcement, shared with Asbury faculty and staff on campus May 31 in Jameson Recital Hall, was met with a standing ovation.
The decision marks the end of a nationwide presidential search chaired by Asbury alumnus Tim Shell. The committee’s recommendation was met with unanimous ratification by the board of trustees.
“Dr. Brown’s life demonstrates a deep spiritual commitment consistent with Asbury University’s mission statement, as well as a commitment to academia in the Christian liberal arts tradition,” said Larry Brown, Asbury’s board chair. “He has the vision and energy to lead the university in this time of change for higher education and into the future.”
Currently serving as associate dean of Asbury’s Howard and Beverly Dayton School of Business (DSB), Brown brings a breadth of experience to the presidency. With an academic background spanning business, theology and ethics, Brown served as a bank president before transitioning to higher education as a business and economics professor. Now, with a decade of experience in Christian higher education, Brown brings a compelling vision for Asbury’s continued institutional and spiritual development.
Brown’s wife, Maria, is already well-known to campus and alumni as coordinator of intercultural affairs. The Browns have three children – Cambel (14), Ada (11) and Oliver (7).
“I am deeply honored and profoundly humbled to serve as Asbury’s 18th president,” said Brown. “As a result of Dr. Gray’s leadership, Asbury has enjoyed years of strength and growth that will continue to bear fruit in the years to come.”
Brown holds an MBA (University of Indianapolis, 2002), an M.Litt. in Bible and the Contemporary World (University of St. Andrews, Scotland, 2009) and a Ph.D. in Theology and Religious Studies (University of Glasgow, Scotland, 2012). His research interests include markets, morals and faith, economics and urban housing, research methods, design and statistics and political philosophy.
Before coming to Asbury as a professor in 2013, Brown served as assistant professor of finance and economics at Anderson University, receiving a “Faculty of the Year” award and serving on multiple university-wide committees.
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