From staff reports

Asbury University President Sandra C. Gray announced Dr. Timothy Wooster, currently serving as provost and chief executive officer of Eastern Nazarene College, will assume the role of provost at Asbury beginning Jan. 1, 2019. 

“I am excited to welcome Dr. Wooster and his family to Asbury and to our community,” Gray said. “Both Dr. Wooster and I see his appointment as an answer to our regular and fervent prayers for the next provost at Asbury.”

Wooster met Gray through Dr. William Crothers, who served as president of Asbury from 2006-07. During Wooster’s initial conversations with Gray, he said he recognized the value of her exemplary leadership and fervency for the institution she leads.

“There was an authenticity and vibrancy in her presence and representation of the University,” Wooster said. “Her passion and commitment encouraged me to learn more about Asbury. I resonated with her commitment to academic excellence and spiritual vitality.”

According to a statement released by the university, Wooster comes to Asbury with deep roots in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, along with experience and understanding of the Christian high education. In his new role as Provost, Wooster will serve as Asbury’s senior academic officer and will have the responsibility of overseeing the curriculum, managing budgets, fostering innovation and also supporting the faculty.

Wooster completed his undergraduate in chemistry and his Ph. D. in analytical chemistry before going on to teach chemistry and work as a research consultant. He has also held the role of honors program director, director of instructional research and retention, associate dean for academic affairs, vice president for enrollment and institutional research, academic dean, provost, chief operating officer and chief executive officer.

Wooster said he felt God’s clear leading in this transition to Provost at Asbury University, and he looks forward to engaging with the Asbury community. 

“I had a time of deep and humble contemplation before the Lord,” Wooster said. “I was not looking to leave Eastern Nazarene College; however, the Lord was clear in His call to pursue this appointment. At ENC I had the privilege of working in a dedicated community with a wholehearted commitment to transformational change in students. That is exactly what I have recognized in the people I met at Asbury. Their love for each other and their mission is evident. The Asbury community spoke to my soul. I am eager to see how I can best serve and promote the University’s clear commitment to holiness, stewardship and academic excellence.”