The Rev. Dr. Roger Ireson, Former GBHEM General Secretary and IAMSCU Founder, Dies at 86
By Higher Education and Ministry
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) and the International Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges, and Universities (IAMSCU) mourn the passing of Rev. Dr. Roger Ireson, President Emeritus of IAMSCU and General Secretary of GBHEM from 1988 until his retirement in 2001, who died on November 6, 2026, in Austin, Texas. A founding leader of IAMSCU and the World Methodist Council’s Education Committee, Ireson devoted his life to Methodist education and ministry as a pastor, administrator, professor, and global advocate for higher education. He was 86 years old.
“Roger was a visionary leader whose commitment to Methodist education transformed lives and institutions around the world. He understood that education is both a ministry and a bridge, connecting people across cultures, continents, and generations,” said Roland Fernandes, general secretary for the General Boards of Higher Education and Ministry and Global Ministries. “Through his leadership in founding IAMSCU and advancing global Methodist higher education, Roger helped create a lasting network of collaboration and faith-filled learning that continues till today. We give thanks for his extraordinary legacy and extend our prayers to Judith and the entire Ireson family.”
Ireson was born on June 2, 1939, in Saratoga, New York, the son of the Rev. Orrin Francis Ireson Jr. and Elisabeth (Hempel) Ireson. From an early age, he was exposed to the importance of Methodist education through his father’s studies at DePauw University and Boston University, his service in Vermont churches, and his role as a trustee of Green Mountain College.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Ireson earned a bachelor’s degree from DePauw University before completing a Master of Divinity at Garrett Seminary. He later studied at Wesley House in Cambridge, England, and earned a Ph.D. from the University of Manchester. He was ordained a deacon in The Methodist Church in 1963 and an elder in 1966 in the Detroit Annual Conference. From 1970 to 1988, he served congregations in the Detroit area.
During his studies in England, Ireson developed relationships international scholars, that would shape his lifelong commitment to global education. As General Secretary of GBHEM, he championed international partnerships and played a key role in the establishment of Africa University in 1988, the founding of IAMSCU in 1991, and the creation of the World Methodist Council’s Education Committee. Partnering with Ken Yamada and other Methodist education leaders, Iverson helped strengthen relationships among more than 120 United Methodist schools, colleges, seminaries, and universities in the United States while building a global network of Methodist educators spanning five continents..
After retiring from GBHEM in 2001, Ireson remained deeply engaged in higher education. He returned to Green Mountain College as a faculty member and presidential advisor and later served in a similar role at Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tennessee In these positions, Ireson implemented an international agenda, helped create a yearly International Convocation, the College Presidential Medallion at Martin Methodist College, and promoted international programs for students in Argentina, Brazil, and France.
Ireson served on the boards of numerous institutions, including American University, Africa University, and the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation. He received eight honorary doctorates from universities in Argentina, Brazil, Zimbabwe, and the United States. Even in retirement, he remained actively involved with IAMSCU as President Emeritus, regularly participating in meetings of the Board of Directors, the Human Rights Network, and international gatherings.
In 1963, Ireson married Judith (Marsh) Ireson, who worked as a teacher and school principal in the United States and England. She supported Ireson in his various initiatives and attended IAMSCU meetings around the world. Upon their retirement, they moved to Austin, Texas, where they continued to be active at University United Methodist Church and Sunday School discussions with faculty members of the University of Texas.
GBHEM celebrates Ireson’s passioned and committed support of international education, IAMSCU programs, and Methodist education. His vision helped shape generations of leaders and strengthened connections among Methodist institutions worldwide. GBHEM extends its condolences to Judith, the Ireson family, and all who were inspired by his life and work.
A service celebrating Ireson’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at University United Methodist Church in Austin, Texas, followed by a graveside service and reception. Details regarding services and memorial gifts are available in his full obituary.
Roland Fernandes, general secretary of HIgher Education and Ministry (on left), talks with the Rev. Dr. Roger Ireson in September 2024. Dr. Ireson died November 6 at age 86. Photo courtesy of Amos Nascimento
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