Image: Andrew’s University
On March 7, 2023 the Andrews Board of trustees voted John Wesley Taylor V to serve as the seventh president of Andrews University. He will replace Andrea Luxton, who has served as Andrews President for the last seven years. Here are some things to know about Taylor:
He Comes Approved
Taylor is very much a General Conference man, having served as associate director of the GC Department of Education since 2010. For the same period, he was executive secretary for the Adventist Accrediting Association.
Weimar
Photo: Facebook / Weimar University
Taylor went to the ultra-conservative Weimar College (an independent institution that supports the Adventist Church) for his undergraduate studies, earning degrees in religion and science.
Other Degrees
He later earned a master’s degrees in educational administration and instructional technology as well as doctor of education degree from the University of Virginia.
Taylor holds both a PhD (in Curriculum and Instruction) and a master’s degree (in Educational Administration) from Andrews University
Controversy
Some see him as a risky pick to lead Andrews as he doesn’t have experience in executive positions for higher education institutions. Here’s his resume.
Global Experience
That said, Taylor’s got a very international background, having served as Professor, Associate Dean, and Director of Doctoral Programs at the School of Graduate Studies at Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS) in the Philippines.
Image: Facebook / AIIAS
Before that, he was Professor and Founding Dean of the Division of Graduate Studies at Montemorelos University (UM) in Mexico.
Screenshot – YouTube – Iglesia Adventista Universitaria Montemorelos
In a Nutshell
Here’s how Taylor describes Adventist schooling: “Adventist education is the longest and largest evangelistic event held by the Adventist Church.”
Vision for AU
Taylor’s vision for Andrews is 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.”
Taylor vows to “seek to advance the biblical worldview and to promote strategies that nurture faith.”
Fun Fact
Taylor speaks fluent Spanish.
SPONSORED LINKS
.
