On Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, the Oakwood University Board of Trustees announced that Leslie N. Pollard, Ph.D., D.Min., has accepted a new position with the North America Division 

In a statement, Oakwood University shared that Pollard has accepted a new opportunity to join the North American Division (NAD) as assistant to the president for pastoral continuing education and mission. He will assume this role on July 1, 2025, continuing to serve as president of Oakwood University through the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year.

In this new role, Pollard will supervise and coordinate the division’s engagement with continuing education for clergy and second-career ministerial professionals. The position itself is new to the NAD, and part of a collaboration with the General Conference, which will provide funding for three years. The position is geared toward helping to foster a comprehensive alignment with theological training and continued learning.

"Dr. Pollard brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our division family," said G. Alexander Bryant, NAD president. "He will assist in our ongoing journey with the continuing education and development of our pastors in a comprehensive manner. His unusual background in higher education and pastoral ministry uniquely qualifies him for this assignment. We are excited to welcome him to this team.”

In the published statement, the Oakwood University board extended its "profound gratitude" to Pollard for his nearly 15 years of dedicated service as their president. "During his tenure, Oakwood University achieved many milestones and significant achievements that the Oakwood family will celebrate later in the school year. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the institution through the pandemic, launching innovative graduate programs, pioneering research on the spiritual life of young adults, strengthening community ties, securing unprecedented financial grants, and broadening our representation in state and national educational associations," the statement read.

“Dr. Pollard has dedicated his life to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, first as a pastor and then in higher education; his experience will benefit countless others as he takes on this new challenge,” said G. Alexander Bryant, chairman of the university's board, in the Oakwood statement.

Oakwood's board of trustees will appoint a search committee and share updates as it begins to identify prospective candidates for the role of Oakwood University president, working with Pollard and the university’s administration to ensure a seamless leadership transition to the next president.