Caption: Representatives from the Atlantic Union Conference and Andrews University witness the signing of an Agreement of Intent between the Atlantic Union College (AUC) Corporation Board and Andrews University by Pierre E. Omeler, Atlantic Union Conference president, center left; and Andrea Luxton, Andrews University president, center right. Seated from left to right are Christon Arthur, Andrews University provost; Elias F. Zabala, Sr., Atlantic Union Conference treasurer; Ted Huskins, Atlantic Union Conference executive secretary; and Glenn Meekma, Andrews University CFO/vice president for finance. Standing from left to right are Bordes Henry Saturné, Andrews University School of Leadership chair; Marlene Alvarez, Atlantic Union Conference Education director; Alayne Thorpe, Andrews University College of Education and International Services dean; Janet Ledesma, Andrews University Educational Leadership associate dean and professor; and Robert Folkenberg, Southern New England Conference president. [Photo courtesy of Andrews University]
Members of the Atlantic Union College (AUC) Corporation Board recently met with representatives from Andrews University to witness the signing of an Agreement of Intent between the two entities. Pierre E. Omeler, AUC Corporation Board president, and Andrea Luxton, Andrews University president, signed the agreement on May 18, 2023, to “establish a general understanding of intent to promote academic and spiritual collaboration between the institutions.” This agreement is the first phase as the two parties enter into further dialogue with the goal of working together to offer various courses, programs, and degrees in the Northeast using a variety of models, which may include in-person, online, and hybrid models.
“This is an important step toward having life back on this campus and part of creating the ‘Hub of Education’ where we are working to bring back higher education to our territory,” said Omeler. In February 2023, delegates at the Atlantic Union College Corporation Constituency Session voted to stop the sale of the property in South Lancaster, Massachusetts, and authorize the board to begin implementing steps to create the “hub” on the college campus. The agreement with Andrews University is the first official collaboration signed by the AUC Corporation Board after the vote.
Andrews University, located in Berrien Springs, Michigan, has provided Christ-centered education since 1874 and continues to offer a wealth of academic choices to prepare graduates for life in the 21st century. “Andrews is a recognized university both in our church and around the world. Having Andrews as a part of this ‘hub’ is very beneficial,” Omeler said.
Other Adventist institutions have already voted their commitment to work with the AUC Corporation Board in drafting similar agreements and indicating their desire to partner with the Atlantic Union Conference in this endeavor.
The Atlantic Union Conference will provide updates on its Facebook and Instagram pages, in the weekly GleanerFYI newsletter, and on the Gleaner website as they become available.
Praying for a continued positive outcome.
This is good news indeed to all of us who love AUC! Who, however, is the gentleman seated on the first row on the far right? He is not identified. Blessings to all involved as plans and actions move forward.
Michael J. Lay, BA Religion 1961
Thank you for alerting us of our oversight. The gentleman seated on the far right of the first row is Glenn Meekma, Andrews University CFO/vice president for finance. We updated the caption under the photo.
What good news! Let’s pray that this agreement will lead to good things on the campus once again! Alums…it’s time to get behind this effort!
I like the direction this seems to be going. I hope it is not a case of too little too late. ” Occupy till I come”.
As an AUC alumna, I am excited at this news and will be praying for the success of this endeavor
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