Edwin Hernández, Ph.D., has been named the next president of Adventist University of Health Sciences (ADU). He will succeed David Greenlaw, D.Min., the University’s founding president, who will retire on July 31, 2017, after 27 years of visionary leadership. Greenlaw has guided ADU’s growth and development since before the first walls were even constructed.
“I am humbled and honored to follow in the footsteps of David Greenlaw,” said Hernández. “He built an innovative institution with an important mission, and I am committed to building upon that extraordinary legacy.”
In the two years since ADU welcomed him as provost, Hernández has solidified his reputation on campus as a caring, dedicated educator, and a servant leader who has the credentials, passion for mission, and heart to successfully lead ADU.
“We are advancing a wholistic understanding of higher education, developing the mind, body, and spirit for our students,” said Hernández. “In a time when health care workers are in high demand, we have the opportunity to create a unique workforce of highly compassionate and skilled candidates who are passionate about mission, excellence, and leadership.”
Hernandez has been a leader and strong advocate of Christian education. An ordained Adventist minister, he is active in the church community. Raised in families committed to education as the answer to serving the world and making a difference, he and his wife, Maggie, have passed the same values on to their two sons.
Through its connection with Florida Hospital and Adventist Health System, Hernández envisions the University growing its student body, taught by faculty who are exceptional educators, engaged scholars, and leaders in their field.
In his next role as president, Hernández’ will focus on people and mission with an emphasis on service, academic excellence, and character building. Deeply rooted in the Adventist higher education tradition and guided by ADU’s faith-imbued culture.
After earning his undergraduate bachelor of arts in theology from Loma Linda University, Hernández earned his master of divinity (M.Div.) at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University. A social science research project at Andrews inspired him to earn his master’s and doctoral degrees in sociology with a specialty in religion from the University of Notre Dame.
Some of his most notable contributions to the education field include multiple books, numerous articles, serving as vice president of academic affairs at Antillean Adventist University, a program officer at The Pew Charitable Trusts, founding director of the Center for the Study of Latino Religion at the University of Notre Dame, and leading a multi-million-dollar urban education philanthropic initiative on behalf of the Doug & Maria DeVos Foundation.
Hernández was instrumental in creating ADU’s new mission motto: “Developing skilled professionals who live the healing values of Christ.” He believes that students who live these values will effectively fulfill the Florida Hospital and Adventist Health System mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ.
Adventist University of Health Sciences | July 2017
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