News Articles

Announcement: Arne P. Nielsen, NAD Vice President for Education, Passes to His Rest

June 3, 2024 | Columbia, Md. | North American Division

Arne Nielsen, NAD VP for education, passed away on June 3, 2024 — *Arne P. Nielsen; photo from NAD Office of Communication*

We are deeply saddened to share that Arne P. Nielsen, North American Division vice president for education, passed to his rest this morning, June 3, 2024, after several days in the intensive care unit dealing with complications from an acute illness. The family asks for privacy at this time as they grieve this very unexpected loss. Please pray for the Nielsen family.

"Today we lost a tremendous servant of God, a great leader, a true friend, a devoted husband and father," said G. Alexander Bryant, NAD president. "Though our hearts are broken, we look forward to seeing Arne again."

In November 2018, Nielsen was voted to serve as the division’s vice president for education; previously he served as NAD director of secondary education and accreditation.

More information, including a full article, will be shared at a later time. Again, please respect the family’s privacy and surround them with your prayers.

North American Division President Responds to Shooting at Adventist Elementary School in California

This is the response by the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church President to the December 4, 2024, shooting incident at the Feather River Seventh-day Adventist School and statement of the Northern California Conference.

Northern California Conference Issues Statement After Butte County Press Conference Addressing Adventist School Shooting

The facts surrounding the Feather River Seventh-day Adventist School shooting have become more clear after today’s late afternoon press conference with the Butte County Sheriff’s Office and other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

Evangelism in Focus: Highlights from 2024 NAD Year-End Meeting Breakout

At the 2024 NAD Year-End Meeting, evangelism was a recurring theme, evidenced in reports on how NAD departments and territories are leveraging their resources to spread the gospel. Evangelism took the spotlight on day three of the business meetings, Sunday, Nov. 3, with attendees tackling questions clarifying mission in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Southern Adventist University Celebrates Record Undergraduate Enrollment

Southern Adventist University has experienced record growth in recent years, fostering new opportunities for students and expanding their experiences and avenues for success. The largest freshman class in the university’s history enrolled in 2023, and, this year, Southern is hosting its largest undergraduate student body ever, totaling 2,929 students.

AdventHealth Gifts Painting of Charles E. Bradford, Former NAD President, at Year-End Meeting

On Sunday, November 3, 2024, AdventHealth leaders presented a portrait of Charles Bradford at the North American Division Year-End Meeting in Columbia, Maryland. The painting — Preaching the Word — was commissioned by AdventHealth in 2000. It was designed to honor Bradford’s leadership while serving on the AdventHealth board and to celebrate his treasured friendships with former CEO Mardian Blair and others.