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Virginia Conference of UMC Honors Joan P. Brock with Francis Asbury Award
VWU trustee and philanthropist recognized for commitment and contributions to faith-based learning
University News | June 14, 2025
ROANOKE, VA — Long time VWU trustee Joan P. Brock has been named the recipient of the 2025 Francis Asbury Award—one of the highest honors presented by the United Methodist Church in Virginia. The award, which also posthumously recognizes her late husband, Macon F. Brock Jr., was conferred at the Virginia Annual Conference Saturday in tribute to the couple’s extraordinary commitment to faith-based higher education.
Virginia Wesleyan President Scott D. Miller and Dwayne Stinson of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church presented the award. The Francis Asbury Award honors individuals whose leadership and philanthropy have significantly advanced the cause of United Methodist-related higher education across the nation.
“It is a true honor to present the Francis Asbury Award to an extraordinary friend of higher education, Joan P. Brock,” said Dr. Miller during the presentation. “Through every gift, every initiative, and every life touched, Joan and Macon Brock have strengthened the mission of United Methodist higher education—promoting knowledge, nurturing spirit, and building a better world.”
At Virginia Wesleyan, the Brocks’ impact is both far-reaching and deeply personal. Joan served on the President’s Council, held a long tenure on the Board of Trustees, and led the board with distinction as Chair. She now continues to guide the institution as Trustee Emeritus. Her leadership and vision are permanently reflected in campus landmarks such as the Joan P. Brock School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brock Commons, Brock Village, the Joan and Macon Brock Theatre, endowed scholarships, and the Joan and Macon Brock Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center.
Their legacy also extends to other institutions across the Commonwealth. At Randolph-Macon College, Macon’s alma mater, the Brocks supported the creation of Brock Commons, a professorship in psychology, and the Macon F. Brock Jr. Hall. At Longwood University—Joan’s alma mater and home to an active Wesley Foundation—their gifts continue to enhance student life. Their philanthropic vision for regional well-being is exemplified through initiatives such as the M. Foscue Brock Institute for Community and Global Health at Eastern Virginia Medical School and the Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, also home to a Wesley Foundation.
The Francis Asbury Award, named for the early American bishop who championed education as central to the Methodist movement, recognizes those who have continued that tradition of shaping lives through learning and faith.
“Joan, on behalf of Virginia Wesleyan University and the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church,” Dr. Miller said, “it is my joy and privilege to honor you with the Francis Asbury Award. Thank you for your extraordinary legacy and unwavering commitment to the values we hold most dear.”