NEWSLETTER
AFRICA UNIVERSITY TODAY WINTER 2026
IMPACT, UP CLOSE: ALABAMA PANHANDLE’S IMMERSIVE VISIT TO AU The year 2026 began on a high note of celebration, others into the story.” The immersive visit offered firsthand exposure to fellowship, and meaningful connection as Africa Africa University’s mission and impact. Delegates University welcomed a 29-person delegation to engaged in wide-ranging conversations with its main campus at Old Mutare, Zimbabwe, from January 4–7. The familiarization visit was led by Bishop L. Jonathan and Mrs. Felecia Holston of the Alabama Panhandle Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church. Participants included clergy and lay leaders from the Alabama-West Florida and North Alabama Conferences, along with supporters of Africa University from the Baltimore-Washington, Great Plains, North Georgia, South Carolina, and Upper New York conferences. For Bishop Holston—who has led six such visits since Clergy and lay AU supporters made up the 29-person delegation. 2014—the purpose is clear: deepening connection. students, faculty, and senior leaders, gaining insight “There is nothing more potent and inspiring than into the institution’s strategic direction and its role in experiencing, personally and intimately, the mission shaping the future of sub-Saharan Africa. that you are part of as a United Methodist,” said “As the choir sang in chapel about blessings from Bishop Holston. “The reality of Africa University... generation to generation to generation, I felt the seeing how your faithful generosity brings hope and Spirit move...tears of love and hope streamed from change in ways that you could not have imagined... compels you to share what you’ve seen and invite my face,” said Rev. Jean Tippit of the Alabama-
West Florida Conference. Tippit also highlighted meeting Marcia Delta Maria of Angola, the student supported by an endowed scholarship from the conference’s foundation, as a powerful moment. Beyond campus, the group visited United Methodist ministries in Zimbabwe, including Old Mutare Mission Hospital, Fairfield Children’s Home, and Hilltop United Methodist Church. The itinerary also included briefings in Harare, regional travel to Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park, and visits to historic sites in South Africa. “Connecting with local communities...was deeply humbling and inspiring,” said Valarie Pryor-Williams of South Carolina. “The trip strengthened my global awareness...and left me with a renewed sense of purpose.” Together, these experiences affirm the enduring impact of investing in education, health, and youth—and the lasting difference made through The United Methodist Church’s sustained commitment to a transformative, global mission through Africa University. - Article includes information from a FB post by AU’s Office of Advancement and Public Affairs.
AU FUND RANKS NO. 1 IN 2025 GIVING United Methodists demonstrated strong commitment to global mission in 2025 through their support of the Africa University Fund (AUF). Twenty-two annual conferences gave 100 percent of the amount they were asked to contribute, while four others came within a fraction of the goal at 99.1 to 99.9 percent. The AUF finished 2025 ranked first among the church’s seven general funds, with 88.6 percent of the asking invested by local congregations. Participation and giving increased across all five U.S. jurisdictions. In the Northeastern Jurisdiction, seven of 10 conferences reached 99 percent or higher, with the New York Conference giving 137 percent AFRICA UNIVERSITY TODAY | WINTER 2026
and helping the jurisdiction end the year at 100.2 percent overall. “This level of support in a year when the General Council on Finance and Administration asked us to prepare for a collection rate of around 50 percent speaks volumes,” said James Salley, president and chief executive officer of Africa University (Tennessee) Inc. “It’s proof that relevance, impact, and commitment to Wesleyan values matter to the people in the pews.” The number of conferences reaching full participation rose from 17 in 2024 to 26 in 2025, signaling strong connectional support for the university’s mission.
“This reflects a shared understanding that Africa University is a vital expression of the church’s mission,” said Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, AU Tennessee board chair and leader of the Alabama Panhandle Episcopal Area.