The Asbury Student Congress Leadership Conference brought together more than 170 registrants with a focus on humility and Christ-centered leadership. The 2026 conference reflected the Executive Cabinet’s vision for the 2026-27 academic year, which emphasized humility and quality in student leadership.
“This year’s ASC vision was the fusion of those two ideals,” ASC President Santiago A. Burgos said.
The conference featured speakers Rev. Dr. Esau McCaulley and Prof. Rob Lim, who addressed student leaders on the importance of Christian character. According to Burgos, the T.W. Lewis Foundation helped bring scholar and public theologian McCaulley to speak at the conference.
Burgos said he was most proud of his team’s efforts to create a space where students could be challenged and ask questions about Christ-centered leadership.
“Beyond the conference’s performance metrics, I am most proud of my team’s tireless dedication to the vision of providing a safe space for students to be pushed, challenged, and to ask questions about what Christo-centric leadership truly involves,” said Burgos.
Organizing the conference presented logistical challenges, but Burgos said the process strengthened trust and respect among the Executive Cabinet and expressed his gratitude for having such a devoted team.
Burgos also stated that university budget cuts did not seriously affect ASC’s daily operations.
“Thankfully, the Asbury Student Congress did not see any serious impact to its daily operations as a result of possible budget cuts,” said Burgos.
The conference took place only a few months into Burgos transition into the student body president role previously held by Zacharey Fazio. He described the transition as enjoyable and said the position requires a combination of skills.
He also said he has noticed support from faculty, staff and administrators for student well-being and a sense of belonging.
“Without exception, every single member of the administration I have met with has echoed their vision of making Asbury the most vibrant community it can be,” Burgos said.
ASC recently completed a student survey that received more than 260 responses. Burgos said the responses identified concerns that student leaders are responsible for addressing.
“We are actively having those conversations every single day with university leadership,” Burgos said.
As Burgos settles into his role, ASC continues discussions with university leadership regarding concerns raised in the student survey. According to Burgos student feedback continues to guide the organization’s efforts to address issues affecting the university’s community.
