Andrews University Chooses Dr. John Wesley Taylor V as President-elect
7 March 2023 |
Earlier today, Andrews University shared a press release announcing that “the executive session of the Andrews University Board of Trustees has elected John Wesley Taylor V to serve as the seventh president of Andrews University (and 25th president overall since Andrews University first began as Battle Creek College).”
The announcement came after what the Board of Trustees’ chair, Artur Stele, called a “challenging and ultimately rewarding process.” The pool of potential candidates was eventually narrowed down to two final candidates and brought to a vote by secret ballot before the Executive Session.
Said Stele, “While some names on our list withdrew of their own accord, we eventually had a well-qualified short list of candidates to choose from. We believe that Taylor, whom our Board has now voted as Andrews University’s next president-elect, reflects an opportunity to continue the visionary, thoughtful, and God-centered leadership that President Luxton has offered to Andrews over the last seven years.”
Taylor holds both PhD and master’s degrees from Andrews University, an EdD from the University of Virginia, and a master’s degree from University of Tennessee, Knoxville. His experience includes service in the following capacities:
- Associate Director, Department of Education at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
- Executive Secretary, Adventist Accrediting Association
- Professor/Dean, School of Education & Psychology at Southern Adventist University
- Professor/Associate Dean/Director of Doctoral Programs, School of Graduate Studies at the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies in the Philippines
- Professor/Founding Dean, Division of Graduate Studies at Montemorelos University in Mexico
Taylor’s wife, Miriam (Wells), works as a community development coordinator and event planner for Hope Channel, Inc., and holds a master’s degree from Salford University. They have a daughter, Carolyn (Taylor) Clayton, and a son, John Wesley Taylor VI.
“I have a vision for Andrews University,” says Taylor. “That vision is for our Andrews University to be mission focused, to exemplify exceptional excellence in academics and services, be nimble in process and program, and be committed. Committed to God and His word, to the philosophy of Adventist education, to our University’s heritage and values, to create a warm and supportive setting for faculty and staff, and to serve its students and constituents well.”
He adds, “By God’s grace, I endeavor to lead with empathy and compassion, with a clear sense of purpose, and with moral and ethical integrity. Throughout our University, I will seek to advance the biblical worldview and to promote strategies that nurture faith.”
