On October 31, during the 2025 North American Division Year-End Meeting, Ruth Horton, director of education for the Lake Union Conference, was elected to serve as vice president for education for the North American Division.
Horton has faithfully served as an advocate for Christ-centered education, inspiring students, educators, and leaders with her passion and commitment to excellence.
Originally from the island of Dominica, she holds an associate of arts in business administration from Caribbean Union College (now University of the Southern Caribbean), a bachelor of arts in English and a master of arts in educational administration from Andrews University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from National-Louis University. Her experience spans all levels of education, including public, private, and denominational systems.
Before joining the Lake Union, she served as superintendent of education for the Lake Region and Illinois conferences. Most recently, she has served as director of education for the Lake Union, overseeing Pre-K through 12th grade programs across the territory.
“I’m deeply grateful to the Lake Union team and our dedicated educators who daily model excellence and resolve,” said Horton. “I’m humbled by the opportunity to serve in this wider field of ministry at the North American Division, continuing a life’s work so very precious to me; precious because the valuable gems — the children and young people we serve through our educators and administrators — are indispensable assets to the kingdom of our Lord!”
She continued, “My desire is to build on the solid premise and enduring ministry of Adventist education at the NAD to support our institutions and personnel in their enduring work, collectively aimed at vibrant life with Jesus in heaven.”
Horton succeeds Dennis Plubell, who has been serving as interim vice president for education following the untimely passing in June 2024 of Arne P. Nielsen. Plubell, who served as NAD director of secondary education and accreditation from 2007-2014, came out of retirement to fill the role.
Several returning vice presidents were named for the areas of multilingual ministries, digital media, ministry, strategy and leadership, and evangelism.
[Read more about the vice president elections from day two of the NAD YEM here.]
G. Alexander Bryant, NAD president, stated, “We are very thankful for the election of the vice-presidential team for the North American Division. They are committed, dedicated, spirit filled and ready to lead as we work Together in Mission. It’s an honor to work alongside each one of them.”
— Authored by Lake Union Herald staff, with additional reporting by NAD Communication.
