2024 Impact Report Highlights Year of Transition, Alignment and Ministry
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) of The United Methodist Church released its 2024 Impact Report, offering a detailed look at a year shaped by transition, renewed alignment and a deepened commitment to developing transformational leaders for the church and the world.
The report reflects a year of purposeful change and faithful service. Roland Fernandes began his role as GBHEM general secretary on July 1 following the retirement of the Rev. Greg Bergquist. The agencies began their intentional alignment work several years ago. Fernandes also serves as the general secretary of Global Ministries and UMCOR.
GBHEM is continuing implementation of its Balanced Scorecard strategy, a framework adopted to guide agency-wide evaluation, clarify priorities and improve accountability. Central to that work are two strategic goals: connecting the church and the academy and developing leaders for transformational ministry.
In 2024, GBHEM awarded $3.7 million in scholarships to 1,895 students—including 412 pursuing seminary and theological education—with an intentional focus on racial-ethnic diversity and vocational formation. Through the Black College Fund, it provided $6.4 million to help support United Methodist-related historically black colleges and universities.
The report also highlights GBHEM’s leadership in convening more than 30 regional and international gatherings for United Methodist-related educational institutions—part of its broader support of more than 1,000 schools worldwide. Programs like Exploration 2024 provided space for vocational discernment, drawing 125 young adults exploring a call to ministry in the U.S.
The Impact Report shows how GBHEM is seeking to listen, align and prepare leaders for the future of the church. GBHEM thanks its partners, the individuals, churches and conferences who sustain leadership development for the church, academy and world with prayer, wisdom and faithful support..
GBHEM ImpactReport-2024 6-24-25
View, download and share the full annual report here.
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The general boards of Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry have awarded $143,350 in Campus Food and Hygiene Insecurity Grants to 19 United Methodist-related colleges and universities, supporting campus programs that help students access nutritious food, personal care items, and other essential resources needed to pursue their education.
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.
