They almost didn’t make it.

Principals from the Guam-Micronesia Mission longed to attend the 2026 Association of Seventh-day Adventist School Administrators (ASDASA) Leadership Conference — but distance and cost made participation seem impossible. Then something remarkable happened. Their sponsoring union, a generous donor, and the mission stepped forward in faith. Together, they made a way.

Because when leaders grow, schools grow. And when schools grow, students flourish.

That spirit of shared commitment set the tone for “The Learning Leader,” the theme of this year’s 2026 Leadership Conference for educational leaders across the North American Division (NAD).

Held at the beautiful Woodlands Hotel and Conference Center in Texas, the ASDASA Conference gathered 421 leaders committed to excellence in Adventist education. While attendees from colder climates appreciated the warm 70-degree weather, it was the warmth of collaboration, inspiration, and spiritual renewal that seemed to have made the greatest impact.

Carol Campbell, vice president for Education for the Southwestern Union Conference, reflected: “The meetings were well attended and engaging, with a strong variety of plenary speakers showcasing diverse and effective presentation styles.”

The success of the conference was a testimony to partnership. The NAD team collaborated closely with union vice presidents, directors, and associate directors of education to design and execute a conference that was intentional, meaningful, and mission-driven.

Ruth Horton, NAD vice president for Education, expressed heartfelt appreciation: “On behalf of my colleagues at the NAD Office of Education, thank you for the important and impactful role each of you played in executing a successful ASDASA Conference in Texas. Your contributions were deeply valued. The camaraderie, spirit of cooperation, and support were palpable.”

The same spirit that brought Guam-Micronesia leaders across the ocean was evident in every conversation, breakout session, and shared meal.

Leadership begins in the heart.

A highlight of the conference was intentional spiritual nourishment. Andreas Beccai, lead pastor of Crosswalk Seventh-day Adventist Church, challenged leaders to confront a reality they all face — resistance. Sometimes it emerges unexpectedly. Sometimes it lingers beneath the surface.

Through system-mapping tools and biblical reflection, participants explored the emotional dynamics behind pushback, disengagement, and stalled progress. Leaders left equipped to manage conflict with wisdom, communicate with clarity, and move the mission forward — without losing peace or people.

The keynote and plenary sessions stretched leaders both spiritually and administratively. Murray Cooper, director for Education in the Southern Union of Seventh-day Adventists, described ASDASA as exceptionally well run, noting the high-quality presenters, the excellent venue, and the intentional opportunities for relationship-building throughout the event.

Speakers including Baruti Kafele, Douglas Reeves, Robyn R. Jackson, Mario Acosta, Todd Whitaker, and Nancy Frey called leaders to deeper clarity of purpose and measurable growth. Sessions emphasized developing a strong leadership identity, ensuring lifelong student success, navigating the ethical use of artificial intelligence, building staff capacity, strengthening school culture, and leading courageous collaboration grounded in evidence.

Participants walked away with practical tools, renewed vision, and a clear reminder: impactful leadership requires purpose, balance, courage, and an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement.

The breakout sessions were where inspiration met implementation — practical, focused, and immediately applicable. Leaders gained tools, frameworks, and strategies they could implement as soon as they returned to their campuses. Just as impactful was the opportunity to reconnect and collaborate, building cross-regional relationships through small-group and role-alike sessions. Specialized gatherings for principals, superintendents, and small-school leaders created safe, relevant spaces for honest dialogue and shared problem-solving. With so many sessions offered concurrently, participants often found it difficult to choose. The breakout sessions blended practical leadership tools, culture-building strategies, instructional coaching, and spiritual grounding, equipping and encouraging leaders.

Rose Thomas, Southern Union associate director for elementary education and breakout presenter, reflected, “ASDASA was a space for leadership renewal, fellowship, and true collaboration.” Partnering with Fabiola Harper, principal of Adventist Christian School in Augusta, Georgia she described the rare opportunity to co-present as a powerful reminder that leaders across the NAD share one common mission — educating for here and eternity. Their session, warmly received by an engaged audience, celebrated unity in purpose and reaffirmed that Adventist education is Kingdom work — lifting up Christ, encouraging one another, and making excellence visible so it may bless others.

The conference concluded with a moving leader consecration service featuring an inspiring message from North American Division president G. Alexander Bryant entitled “Writing on the Doorposts.”

Cynthia Poole captured the spirit of the gathering: “It was a pleasure to participate in one of the most impactful events that I have attended. I was truly blessed and inspired by all that transpired.”

The 2026 ASDASA Leadership Conference affirmed that learning leaders are called to more than administrative excellence. They are called to spiritual depth, courageous collaboration, and steadfast commitment to student success — no matter the distance, no matter the obstacles.

Because when leaders are willing to grow, God makes a way.

View G. Alexander Bryant’s message, Writing on the Doorposts, here:
https://vimeo.com/adventistedu/asdasa2026bryant?share=copy

Leisa Morton-Standish is director of Elementary Education for the North American Division.