Founding and Vision

The Appalachian Wesley Foundation began its ministry in November 1954 when Rev. E.H. Lowman, pastor of Boone Methodist Church (1954-1959), began to serve Methodist students at Appalachian State Teachers College (ASTC). He and his wife, Mrs. Eunice D. Lowman, became the spiritual and administrative leaders of the new ministry.

At its first board meeting on November 1, 1954, a local Board of Directors was formed. The board:

• Elected officers including Marvin Culbreth (Chair), Mrs. James B. Winkler (Treasurer), and Mrs. James H. Councill (Secretary).

• Employed Mrs. Lowman as the Director at a salary of $265/month to begin immediately.

This marked the beginning of what would become a 70-year legacy of student ministry in Boone, NC.

Early Ministry Activities (1954–1955)

By spring 1955, the Wesley Foundation had:

• Reached up to 200 students through various programs and worship.

• Hosted Sunday evening suppers, led by students, which included meals, fellowship, worship, and guest speakers.

• Sent delegations to district and state Methodist student conferences.

• Developed a leadership council, regular Friday social events, and Sunday morning hospitality (coffee & donuts).

• Provided spiritual counseling, especially for students preparing to serve in summer camps and rural churches.

Mrs. Lowman's April 1955 report emphasized the need for religious engagement on campus, calling it "a necessity" for public institutions like ASTC with no formal religious education.

Facility & Financial Needs

Though the Boone Methodist Church offered generous space, the Foundation quickly outgrew its capacity. The Lowman’s and Board expressed a need for a dedicated student center, proposing:

• $3,000 for a director’s salary

• $1,000 for program costs

• $25,000 to build and furnish a new student building

These requests reflected both the program’s popularity and its long-term vision.

(the current Wesley Foundation building was built and opened on December 1, 1963)

Boone Methodist Church completed and opened a new education building in May 1958 (still in use today as classroom and office space for Appalachian State students within the Turchin Center complex). This building allowed more space for the Wesley Foundation to meet.

Community Engagement & National Presence

• Students participated in local service, district deputation teams, and ecumenical events.

• A highlight included Eloise Norman’s attendance at the 1955 Ecumenical Student Conference in Ohio, where 3,500 students from 80 countries gathered—showing Wesley’s connection to the global Christian student movement.

Student Life Snapshots

Campus newsletters and announcements from 1955 reveal a vibrant and creative student ministry, including:

• Float parades (with hymn-singing trucks)

• Taffy pulls and Halloween parties

• Regular guest speakers and student-led worship

• District conference trips and recreational weekends

• Engagement in Religious Emphasis Week and support for national causes like the March of Dimes

Significance of the Lowman’s

Rev. and Mrs. Lowman were foundational in the role of not only as administrators but as mentors, counselors, and spiritual leaders. Their work formed the bedrock for all future Appalachian Wesley programming and influence.

Dr. Joseph Lowman is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a nationally recognized expert in college teaching and faculty development. He is the author of the acclaimed book Mastering the Techniques of Teaching, used by educators around the world to elevate the classroom experience. Over his decades-long career, Dr. Lowman has led hundreds of workshops across the country, helping faculty teach with clarity, purpose, and passion.

His presence with us today carries deep meaning. Dr. Lowman is the son of Rev. E.H. and Mrs. Eunice Lowman, the founding leaders of the Appalachian Wesley Foundation. As we celebrate 70 years of ministry, we are honored to welcome someone whose family legacy is rooted in the very beginning of this sacred space.