From staff reports

Asbury University President Sandra C. Gray announced last week she will transition out of the presidency at the university at the end of the 2018-2019 academic school year. Her announcement came during Academic Convocation Chapel in the historic Hughes Auditorium in front of the entire on-campus student body and full-time faculty.

“Twelve years ago, when I was appointed president, I knew with certainty it was the call of the Lord,” Gray said. “As I have lived into this call under the leading and direction of the Holy Spirit, I have also known with a certainty that He would reveal when it is time to step away. His Word teaches, ‘To everything there is a season.’ The honor and privilege of serving as president of Asbury University during this season are beyond my inadequate words.”

Gray has been the 17th president to serve Asbury since it was founded in 1890 by Rev. John Wesley Hughes. During her time at the university, Asbury has transitioned from college to university, experienced growth in enrollment, developed numerous graduate-degree and other programs, and succeeded in launching the most comprehensive capital campaign in Asbury’s history.

While Gray’s transition marks a new season for the Wilmore university, Gray said, “this academic year will continue just like the previous 11 and advancing Asbury’s mission remains my top priority.”

Gray, along with Board of Trustees Chair Larry Brown, made sure to stress Asbury’s continuing reliance on God’s blessing and leadership during a recent afternoon  meeting with faculty and staff at the university.

“We are grateful beyond words for President Gray’s courage, vision and commitment to the mission of Asbury University,” Brown said. “As we form a search committee and begin this transition process, we are blessed not only by our lineage of strong leadership, but most importantly by the clear leading of God, today and every day. We are thankful for all that has been accomplished in Asbury’s 128-year history, and we look forward with expectant faith to all that will be accomplished in the seasons to come.”