News

Oakwood University Announces the Selection of its 12th President
The Board of Trustees of Oakwood University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Gina Spivey-Brown, Ph.D., RN, MSA, FAAN, FNAP, FADLN, as the 12th president of Oakwood University. The announcement concludes a comprehensive and prayerful search process.

Center for Youth Evangelism to Become North American Division Entity
On March 26, 2025, the North American Division (NAD) voted to receive the Center for Youth Evangelism LLC (CYE) as an official entity of the division as of May 1, 2025. This vote comes after the March 24, 2025, vote by the Andrews University board to transfer to the division the non-profit entity that has been part of the university since 1979 under the name of Youth Resource Center (it was renamed CYE in 1996).

Thousands Helped by Patmos Chapel’s Food Ministry
“Give us today our daily bread” (Matt. 6:11 NKJV). Members and friends of Patmos Chapel Seventh-day Adventist Church in Apopka are answering this prayerful request for hundreds of families in central Florida. The church’s mobile food giveaway has been cited as one of the largest distribution sites in Orange County, Florida.

La Sierra Sets Enrollment Goals, Maps Strategies for Success
As the winter quarter moves forward, La Sierra University is preparing a new, three-year budget and working on a strategic plan to position the university to reach near and long-term enrollment targets, culminating in 5,000 by 2035.

Adventist Information Ministry Changes Name to Adventist Connect, Reflecting Expansion into Digital Evangelism
On January 30, 2025, the Adventist Information Ministry board voted to rename the ministry Adventist Connect, reflecting its expansion from an evangelism contact center for media ministries into a hub supporting local churches across North America in digital outreach. This change will be implemented in stages over the coming months.

Transforming the Lives of Stroke Survivors: AdventHealth, Orlando Neurosurgery First in Nation to Perform 50 Vivistim Implant Cases
More patients have been helped by an innovative device for stroke survivors at AdventHealth than any other health system in the country. AdventHealth Orlando is the first hospital to use the Vivistim® Paired VNS™ System to help 50 patients. This transformative device, designed to aid stroke survivors in their rehabilitation journey, has shown remarkable success in improving hand and arm function.

“Not on My Watch”: 2024 Pastoral Evangelism and Leadership Council Motivates Attendees to Emulate Jesus in Troubled Times
“You’re here at PELC 2024 to see Jesus high and lifted up!” said Michelle Mota-Poyser, Northeastern Conference pastor, on night one of the Pastoral Evangelism and Leadership Council (PELC), held at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, from December 8-11. With the theme “Jesus: Praise Him, Practice Him, Preach Him,” PELC organizers emphasized a focus on Christ and the urgency of spreading the gospel amid political and social turmoil. Jesus was thus central in every message, song, and workshop.

PELC Hispanic Track: A Christ-Centered Focus for Ministry Leaders
The Pastoral Evangelism Leadership Council (PELC) offers spiritual renewal, inspiration, and fellowship and equips pastors, chaplains, and other ministry leaders for their roles. Established more than 40 years ago by regional conference leaders, PELC is the largest annual gathering of pastors and church leaders in the North American Division. This year, it took place from December 8 to 11, 2024. While the main English track was held in the newly renovated Oakwood University Church, PELC in Spanish was hosted at the Office for Regional Conference Ministries in Huntsville, Alabama. Planned by the Hispanic Caucus, this specialized program provided resources and training for pastors serving Hispanic communities.