An Enduring Tribute to the Rev. Marsha G. Alexander

A True Christian Leader, Missionary, and Pastor

The Rev. Marsha G. Alexander has been an immeasurable blessing to Asbury College through her unwavering dedication, tireless commitment, and faithful service in ministry. Throughout her years of leadership, she has played a decisive role in shaping Asbury into the institution it is today—guided by strong, caring, compassionate, and Christ-centered leadership. Her life and work reflect an authentic Christian witness, marked by passion for education, deep love for the community, and a steadfast commitment to God’s mission.

During her tenure as president, Rev. Alexander’s accomplishments propelled Asbury to new heights as a center of high-quality yet affordable education rooted in Christian values. The following achievements stand as her enduring legacy—one that will be honored and carried forward for generations to come.

Lasting Accomplishments and Legacy

• Commitment to Academic Excellence
  Rev. Alexander ensured that quality education was accessible to all students by hiring and supporting highly qualified faculty and staff. This commitment is clearly reflected in the school’s consistent performance in the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET). Notably, three Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) graduates have topped the national board examinations—an unprecedented achievement for the institution.
• Advocacy for Faculty Development
  She strongly promoted continuing professional development among faculty members. Through her encouragement and support, many pursued graduate and postgraduate studies. Today, Asbury proudly counts four (4) full-fledged Ph.D. holders, including two recent Ph.D. graduates, one of whom is a high school teacher and the other a college professor. Most faculty members now hold MAEd (Master of Arts in Education) or MEd (Master of Education) degrees. This represents a remarkable transformation from earlier years when most faculty were part-time, to a now predominantly full-time, professionally and academically qualified teaching staff.
• Building Strong Partnerships and Networks
  Rev. Alexander established and nurtured meaningful relationships with alumni and friends both locally and internationally, significantly contributing to the school’s financial stability and physical growth.
• Sustained Growth in Enrollment
  Under her leadership, Asbury experienced steady and significant growth in enrollment. When she assumed the presidency in 2011, the college had just over 100 students. Today, enrollment has grown to more than 700 college students and over 1,300 students across elementary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
• Infrastructure Development and Campus Improvement
  Through the generosity of her ministry partners—particularly the Volunteers in Mission (VIM) from Oklahoma, USA—numerous new buildings and classrooms were constructed, and existing facilities were renovated. The VIM partnership has been a profound blessing not only to Asbury but also to the wider Anda Island community through school construction projects and medical missions. A major grant received two years ago, amounting to over $100,000, resulted in significant improvements: upgraded facilities, including the recently renovated Science and Laboratory Building and Social Hall, which had not been renovated since their construction more than 30 years ago; funding for faculty graduate studies, and expanded scholarship opportunities for students.
• Completion of the Campus Water System
  With the support of her ministry partners in the United States, the school’s water system was completed through the restoration and cleaning of several campus wells—greatly improving daily life for students and staff.
• Advocacy for Fair Compensation and Benefits
  Rev. Alexander ensured that employee salaries and benefits were current and fully compliant with Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) standards, reflecting her deep concern for the welfare and dignity of all employees.
• Personal Sacrifice and Generosity
  Out of sacrificial love, she consistently donated her monthly salary toward school improvements, student scholarships—especially for student pastors—and employee salaries. She made certain that deficiencies in the elementary department were promptly addressed and resolved.
• Income-Generating Initiatives
  She initiated the establishment of a school-managed canteen, which has become a significant and sustainable income-generating project for the institution.
• Permanent College Facilities
  Through partnerships with VIM and other U.S.-based supporters, new college buildings and classrooms were constructed. Prior to her presidency, college students often held classes under trees, in libraries, or in the social hall. Today, they benefit from permanent, dedicated learning spaces.
• Regional Recognition and Visibility
  Driven by her vision for Asbury to shine beyond Anda, the school hosted the prestigious PRISAA (Private Schools Athletic Association) Region I – Pangasinan Division I competitions and won overall championships several times—an achievement never realized before her tenure.
• Pastoral Leadership at Tondol UMC
  From 2017 to 2020, while serving as Asbury president, Rev. Alexander was appointed administrative pastor of Tondol United Methodist Church in Anda, Pangasinan. Despite her tenure being cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, the church grew significantly in lay leadership and membership under her guidance. She secured $20,000 from the Oklahoma United Methodist Church Foundation for the construction of a new church building. With this funding, VIM support, and her own generous contributions, the long-awaited church building was finally realized in 2016.
• Unwavering Commitment to Asbury
  Throughout her journey as president and missionary, Asbury remained her foremost priority. She tirelessly promoted the school and raised funds locally and internationally. During home assignments in the United States, she devoted herself to visiting churches and sharing Asbury’s story—demonstrating her profound and unconditional love for the institution.

A Life of Faithful Witness

Indeed, the entire Asbury College community is deeply blessed and forever grateful for the leadership of the Rev. Marsha Gail Alexander. She has inspired and enriched the professional, personal, and spiritual lives of countless individuals. As Scripture affirms, “By their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:16). Through the fruits of her labor, we have witnessed a Christlike leader, missionary, and pastor—an embodiment of Christ’s presence in the world and a faithful disciple who lived out her faith against all odds.

Fun Facts About Pastor Marsha Alexander

• She sensed God’s calling to missionary service at the age of five.
• 1976–1977: Volunteer missionary; founded the Asbury Kiddie Kollege.
• 1989–1999: Served as a General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) missionary; taught high school and college classes and was actively involved at Anda Central UMC.
• 1999–2001: Volunteer missionary and associate pastor at Baguio First UMC; established the Continuing Education Center for the Baguio Episcopal Area (BEA).
• 2001-2004: Director of the Outreach Ministry at the UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) Sager Brown, Baldwin, Louisiana, USA
• 2004-2010: Appointed as a GBGM missionary to direct an Oklahoma Annual Conference project in Mexico.
• 2010: Returned to Asbury as a GBGM missionary.
• 2011–2025: Appointed by the BEA bishop as President of Asbury College.
• 2018-2020: Appointed by the BEA bishop as administrative pastor of Tondol UMC.
• She retired twice as a missionary—first through mandatory retirement by GBGM at age 70, and later by the Oklahoma Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church at age 72.

By: Dr. Josel Jubert Salmorin and Rev. Dr. Jun Caole