Calvin Watkins

Dr. Calvin Watkins Sr. serves as a vice president of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. He previously served as president of Southwest Region Conference for two terms. He brings a wealth of experience, having worked as a conference evangelist and as director for the ministerial, personal ministries, and community services departments.

In 1985, he founded the University of the Saints, a layman's school of soul-winning with more than 700 graduates, and with four extension schools operating in English and one in Spanish.

He is the author of two books, Evangelism for the Next Millennium and 101 Ways to Win Souls. He is a widely sought-after speaker and lecturer in the field of church growth and pastoral training, speaking to both Adventist and non-Adventist audiences.

Watkins is married to his college sweetheart, Ruth Laurie, of Panama. They have three sons, Calvin Watkins II, who serves as a pastor in Southwest Region Conference, Dr. Julian L. Watkins, a medical doctor and assistant commissioner of health in New York City, and Jared Watkins, who is employed by UPS. They are also blessed with two granddaughters.