From staff reports

Asbury University was recently picked as one of the top universities in the nation by the annual U.S. News and World Reports Best College Rankings for 2018-2019, making it the highest ranked school in Kentucky in its category.

Asbury ranked 14th on the list out of 165 regional universities in the south and one of only three Christian institutions.

Dr. Bonnie Banker, who serves as Asbury provost, said she believes the ranking speaks to the unique qualities of an Asbury education. An education she said gives graduates the tools needed to continue whole-person cultivation after leaving campus.

“Beyond accomplishing a degree, an education rooted in a Christian context provides the added dimension of knowing God’s truth which can speak into the development of the whole person,” said Banker. “Asbury University is intentional about providing a quality education midst a vibrant expression of Christian faith. If we capture that intricate connection between faith and learning, we have established a strong platform to prepare students for service to God and the community for a lifetime.”

This is not the first time Asbury University has been recognized in the national rankings. Prior to Asbury joining the rank of regional universities in 2016, Asbury received a spot in the top five for five years in a row. The university also ranked in first place in 2014 – 2015.

“Asbury is known for a quality educational program delivered with integrity in a community of faith,” said Banker. “We have highly qualified faculty who contribute to their professional communities beyond the institutional borders. This national and international visibility from committed Christian educators brings high regard for the institution. We have many Asbury graduates who are highly esteemed in their professions and are proud to express their joy with their Asbury preparation. I believe this ranking acknowledges that well-founded regard for Asbury University across the globe.”

A few of the characteristics which earned Asbury a top spot in the rankings, according to the university, are as follows: Asbury classes are designed to encourage collaborative learning through extensive discussion and active scholarship with 70 percent of classes having less than 20 students. Asbury’s class sizes are small and personal with zero percent of Asbury classes having 50 students or more; Asbury’s student/faculty ratio is low at 12:1 which provides opportunities for specialized attention and hands-on learning in the classroom; Asbury’s retention and graduation rates remain strong.

For more information, visit www.asbury.edu/