In case you didn’t know, Asbury University is a Christian liberal arts university rooted in
the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. While this is a familiar tagline from the website, there is so
much to unpack in this statement and how it defines the institution.
“Liberal arts” probably seems like an overused term that carries little significance except
for the fact that there are general education courses (excuse me, I mean “foundations”) that are
included in the graduation requirements. This multi-disciplinary education can be just a slew of
extra boxes to check along the way, and, if we’re being honest, it can be hard to see how an Art
History class has anything to do with the 4+1 MBA track.
During freshman year, it is common to meet people who view the liberal arts
requirements this way. But as you move up the grades, more people begin to appreciate what
their ethics class contributed to their political science major. An article published by the
University of Northern Colorado on the importance of a liberal arts education stated that
“Critical thinking, communication, creative problem solving, self-expression, innovative
research, and lifelong learning—all skills a liberal arts degree emphasizes—are central to a great
career and a well-lived life.”
The same sentiment is echoed by Asbury students. Clara Quade, a senior equine studies
major and business minor, says that “learning different sides of the equine industry and
understanding how a business functions will allow me to be better prepared for any situation and
career I may encounter.”
Personally, I am an English major and a biology minor on a pre-veterinary track. After
switching my major six different times within the sciences, I finally settled on English because
Asbury is a place where such seemingly different interests can come together and blend
beautifully. I can bring my science knowledge into my writing and connect to the physical world.
I can bring the skills I am developing in my English classes to the science world by writing
grants for research funding and clearly communicating what I have experienced in a lab setting.
I am not trying to convince all of campus to major in an area different from your
professional track, or even to major and minor across contrasting disciplines. My challenge to
Asbury students is to expand your definition of liberal arts. Take your foundation courses
seriously, even if they are far outside your wheelhouse or even your interest. Spend your years at
Asbury eager to learn, experiment and explore new and different passions, especially in subjects
that can be intimidating.
The Christian life is not meant to be one-dimensional. The gospel is accessible through
every field of study and profession, and each one can be used to fulfill the mandate to go and
make disciples. Actively seek and pursue God’s call on your life, but also be attentive to the
ways he is meeting you in uncomfortable areas of study. I am confident that my English major
has both taught me to see God in a new way and will make me a better veterinarian. The same is
true no matter your major or career path: God will meet you as you seek him, and He will use all
you encounter to bolster your ability to start here and impact the world.
