News

Union Adventist University Receives Grant for Culinary Medicine Teaching Kitchen
The Ardmore Institute of Health has awarded Union Adventist University’s Master of Public Health Program a grant to establish a culinary medicine teaching kitchen (CMTK). The $35,000 will purchase six commercial-grade mobile workstations, each including the culinary tools and appliances to support two students at a time, enabling the university to host classes of up to 12 students in the teaching kitchen. Any remaining funds will support a student garden that was established by the university’s first public health cohort last year.

Mid-America Union Conference Executive Committee Appoints New Communication Director
During its regular spring meeting, the Mid-America Union Executive Committee voted to approve a recommendation by MAUC’s administrative team outlining a leadership transition for the union’s communication department. Following the vote, then-director Brenda Dickerson became the associate director, and then-associate director/digital media manager Hugh Davis became the new director, effective May 1, 2025. This transition of titles, initially proposed by Dickerson, serves as a model for succession planning and smooth leadership transitions in appointed positions.

James P. Willis II Elected as New Vice President for Education for the Pacific Union Conference
The Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists has elected James P. Willis II as its new vice president for education, effective July 1, 2025. He will succeed Dr. Berit von Pohle, who is retiring after a distinguished career spanning 46 years in Adventist education

Business Students and Entrepreneurs Participate in Hyve Conference at Andrews University
Andrews University hosted the third annual North American Hyve International Conference from March 27–29, a gathering where students, entrepreneurs, ministry leaders and businesspeople networked with fellow innovators and pitched their ideas. Through various workshops and programs on campus, practicing entrepreneurs shared their experiences and advice on how to cultivate a strong business in a way that glorifies God.

Harold W. Baptiste, Former NAD Secretary, Passes Away at 81
Harold Wilson Baptiste, former secretary of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America (NAD), passed away May 25, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland, at the age of 81.

Canadian Church Transforms Homes and Lives Through Acts of Kindness
Ledell Kendall was not prepared for the news she received when a small group from Acts of Kindness, the outreach ministry of the Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church, appeared at her door on a Sunday morning in mid-March.

Annual Adventist-Sponsored Dinner Honors Religious Liberty Advocates, Supporters
The 17th annual Religious Liberty Dinner was held at The Religious Freedom Center of the Newseum Institute in Washington, D.C., on May 20. Distinguished guests included international ambassadors, commissioners, local government officials, policy-makers, and past honorees.

Don C. Schneider, a "Friend of Jesus," Passes to His Rest
Don C. Schneider, former president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America (NAD), passed away in the morning on May 23, 2019, in Burleson, Texas. He had been living with Marti, his wife and partner in ministry for almost 50 years, in Cleburne. He was 76.