It is with deep gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility that I begin my service as vice president for Education at the Southwestern Union. Having spent nearly my entire life within the Southwestern Union family, this appointment feels less like a new destination and more like a continuation of a lifelong journey.
I was born and raised in San Antonio, Tex., and Adventist education has been woven into the fabric of my life from an early age. My mother, an Adventist educator, showed me the very essence of what commitment to this work entails. Until she passed away in 2004, she was a fierce proponent of Adventist education. As an elementary student at Maranatha Adventist School in San Antonio; a high school student at Valley Grande Academy; and a two-time graduate of Southwestern Adventist University, I experienced firsthand the transformative influence of Adventist education. Dedicated teachers, mentors and spiritual leaders helped shape not only my academic development but also my relationship with Christ and my understanding of service. Those experiences left an indelible mark on my life and ultimately inspired my commitment to Adventist education.
I now have the privilege of serving alongside educators, administrators, pastors, school boards, and church members who share a common belief: Adventist education is one of the most effective ministries that’s entrusted to the Church. While academic excellence is essential, our schools exist for a greater purpose. We are called to lead young people into a saving relationship with Jesus while preparing them for lives of service, leadership, and mission.
As I look ahead to the next five years, our vision is grounded in the Southwestern Union theme, “Together in Mission.” The future of Adventist education will not be built by any one individual, school, or conference. It will be made stronger through collaboration, shared purpose, and a collective commitment to our mission.
First, I hope to strengthen the spiritual foundation of our schools by providing the necessary resources and professional development to assist our teachers in the integration of faith and learning. Every classroom should be a place where faith is nurtured, biblical values are modeled and students encounter the love of Christ daily. Academic achievement and spiritual growth are not competing priorities. They are complementary aspects of true education, which Ellen G. White described as the harmonious development of the physical, mental, and spiritual powers. Today, that philosophy remains as relevant as ever.
Second, I’m committed to supporting and empowering educators by prioritizing investments in their professional growth, spiritual well-being, and leadership development. Because teachers are so influential in students’ lives, when educators thrive, students flourish.
Third, I believe we must continue to pursue excellence and innovation while remaining firmly anchored in our Adventist identity. Our schools must prepare students for a rapidly changing world by fostering critical thinking, creativity, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning. At the same time, we must never lose sight of our distinctive mission to prepare young people not only for success in this world but for citizenship in God's eternal kingdom.
Finally, I hope to strengthen partnerships among our churches, schools, families, and conferences. Adventist education is most effective when it is embraced as a shared ministry. Together, we can create environments where students are known, valued, challenged, and inspired to answer God's call on their lives.
The Southwestern Union has a rich history of educational ministry, and I am honored to be part of its future. As we move forward “Together in Mission,” I remain confident that God will continue to bless our schools, our educators, and our students. By His grace, we will continue developing young people who will love Jesus, serve others, and help finish the work He has entrusted to us.