Volker R. Henning will join the Walla Walla University administrative team as the new vice president for academic administration beginning Sept. 1, 2017. Henning will provide administrative and academic leadership while coordinating all formal instructional services at the university.

“In his interview visit to campus, Dr. Henning quickly won respect from the faculty, staff, and students who connected with him,” says WWU President John McVay. “His experience with all the facets of faith-based higher education shone through, along with his commitment to help position WWU for continued and creative excellence in the future. We look forward to having him join the WWU leadership team.”

Henning comes to WWU after 28 years at Southern Adventist University where he taught journalism and communication for 17 years and was dean of the School of Journalism and Communication before becoming associate vice president for academic administration in 2006. Prior to his time at Southern, Henning was a pastor in Florida and then communication director for the Florida Conference. Henning has a doctorate in mass communication from the University of Tennessee, a master’s degree in communication from the University of Central Florida, a Master of Divinity degree from Andrews University, and a bachelor’s degree with majors in theology and communication from Southern Adventist University.

Says Henning, “Education at a Seventh-day Adventist college or university should foster intellectual growth, encourage a vibrant and meaningful development of personal faith, enhance student understanding and appreciation of the arts and humanities, and equip them to participate in the blessings of service.”

Henning is fluent in English and German and has a rudimentary knowledge of French. He has lived in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North America. “Having grown up overseas as a ‘missionary kid’ has instilled in me an appreciation for the world, it’s people, and the uniqueness of every place I have lived,” he says. “Moving to Walla Walla is an opportunity to expand my horizons and develop relationships with new people.” Volker and his wife, Linda, have two grown children. They enjoy spending time with their married children and families, which include three granddaughters. In their free time they like to take walks, bike, and go camping.

WWU is an institution of higher education founded on Christian teachings and values as understood and appreciated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The 2016-17 enrollment was 1,894 across the five campus that comprise WWU. As the senior academic officer at WWU, Henning will be tasked with helping advance the institution’s commitment to excellence in thought, generosity in service, beauty in expression, and faith in God. His appointment is subject to the approval of the Executive Committee of the Walla Walla University Board of Trustees at its meeting on Aug. 16, 2017.

Henning will be the second administrator to join the WWU team this year: Doug Tilstra has been selected by Walla Walla University to serve as the new vice president for student life. Tilstra began his duties on July 1, 2017. READ MORE

— This news release was provided by Kim Strobel, university relations supervisor, Walla Walla University.