Southern Adventist University will lose at least four professors after the 2018-2019 school year.
Chemistry professor Loren Barnhurst will be leaving to go to Kettering University after the academic year ends.
“I feel very blessed to have had Dr. Barnhurst as my organic chemistry teacher,” said Elisabeth Sewell, sophomore biology major. “He’s the most organized, clear, and caring professor I’ve ever had. He also helps us in our lives and walk with God, not just organic chemistry.”
“I’m sad to see him go. He’s definitely been the most effective professor I’ve had as a bio major,” said Andrew Cuevas, senior biology major. “I wish him and his family all the best in their future endeavors.”
School of Journalism and Communication professor Andy Nash will be leaving in December to become a pastor at LifeSource Adventist Fellowship in Denver, Colorado.
“I specifically want to tell my university students—and young church members—how privileged I’ve been to be able to share life and learning with you, in the kingdom of Christ,” Nash wrote in a Facebook post. “Thank you for your prayers as we enter a new season filled with both tears and excitement.”
“I went to Connect, and I am very sad to see him go. Their family was such a blessing to this school and the Connect church,” said Autumn Dunzweiler, junior mass communication major.
Religion professor Carlos Martin is retiring in May 2019. “He’s the most passionate, enthusiastic, crazy, charismatic man I have ever met,” said Josh Salguero, junior biology major. “His passion for missions and world religions makes people more interested in it. He has impacted my time here at Southern by changing my view on people of different religions and seeing how God calls us to spread the word to all nations.”
“Dr. Martin turned evangelism from a noun to a verb,” said Mark Galvez, junior theology major. “He breathes missions whether it be foreign or local. Not for a paycheck, recognition or remembrance, but because of his undying passion for Jesus.”
Barbara James, Dean of the School of Nursing, will be retiring as well and will be replaced by Holly Gadd. “Dr. James has been an exceptional, unifying leader helping students as well as faculty develop their talents and use their God-given gifts in service,” wrote Bob Young, senior vice president of Academic Administration. “Her imprint on the school, its programs, its faculty and its graduates will remain for some time to come."