News
Report on 2024 Consolidated Enrollment
The Association of Adventist Colleges and Universities (AACU), comprised of the presidents and other top leaders from 13 Adventist colleges and universities in North America, has determined that the latest consolidated fall enrollment numbers for all 13 institutions totals 20,828 students. This increase of 256 students from the previous year marks the second consecutive year of total growth.
Charting a New Path: 2024 Administrators’ Conference Unites Leaders to Shape the Future of the Church in North America
It’s been 10 years since conference and union presidents, executive secretaries, and treasurers gathered in one room to brainstorm how best to carry out the church’s mission in North America. A long-awaited follow-up, the 2024 administrators’ conference hosted more than 200 conference and union officers at the NAD’s headquarters on Oct. 30-31.
50 Ministerial Spouses Unite for Community Service, Fellowship, and Training During the 2024 NAD Year-End Meeting
Community service, fellowship, and training sessions made up the spouses’ meetings during this year’s NAD Year-End Meetings, with roughly 50 spouses of conference leaders in attendance.
Promoting Healthy Minds at Southern Adventist University
Experts across America have gathered statistics that point to a mental health crisis for college students. Anxiety concerns have risen from 56 percent in 2013 to 65 percent in 2023, according to the Center for Collegiate Mental Health. The center also found that the number of students seeking help has steadily increased from 2009 until the pandemic. In response to the crisis, Southern Adventist University is working to ensure that students have access to various high-quality mental health resources.
NAD Leads in Prayer, Learning, and Mission at International Pathfinder Camporee
At the 2024 Believe the Promise International Pathfinder Camporee, North American Division (NAD) leaders were everywhere — at the prayer tent, in the exhibits, headlining the parade, even pin trading. Their message to Pathfinders was clear — “We see you; we support you; you matter.”
Networking in the Disabilities Ministries Community
On May 1-3, 2024, the Disability & the Church Conference hosted by Key Ministry took place in Orlando, Florida. The conference featured speakers and exhibitors from different parts of North America and various denominations and ministries who provided vital information about ways to foster an inclusive worship experience for individuals with and without a disability. They discussed the importance of accessible physical spaces, inclusive language and imagery in worship materials, and trained volunteers to support individuals with disabilities during services. Speakers and attendees also shared inspiring testimonies about their personal or family-related experiences with a disability.
NAD Continues its Commitment to NextGen Leaders at Gillette Camporee
For the past five years, the North American Division (NAD) has tackled a growing pastor and teacher shortage caused by retirements, resignations, and fewer graduates entering those fields. The 2019 Chosen International Pathfinder Camporee saw the launch of the NAD Ministerial Association “NextGen” initiative, featuring a social event for young people interested in pastoral ministry. One thousand attended. At the 2024 camporee, several NAD departments hosted booths designed to engage children, youth, and young adults interested in serving the church in different capacities.
Southern Adventist University’s Blacksmithing Club Forges Camporee Connections
At the largest ever hands-on blacksmithing event for young people in the United States, the “Southern Smiths” introduced the art of shaping metal with fire to more than 800 participants at a booth offering the blacksmithing honor, sponsored by Southern Adventist University, at the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, in early August.