Rocky Mountain Conference of SDA — “The Union College Board of Trustees has invited Dr. Yamileth Bazan to take the reins as Union’s 30th president. Her term will begin on July 1, which is soon after the official transition to the new name of Union Adventist University. “Yami,” as she prefers to be called, brings with her a passion for education and ministry combined with a long legacy of supporting and mentoring students, university leaders, and local church constituents.
“I am confident God led in the search process,” said Gary Thurber, chair of Union’s Board of Trustees and president of the Mid-America Union Conference. “The experience she brings in serving young people, mentoring them spiritually and building leaders is a perfect fit for Union. She lives and breathes the mission and values of the Adventist church and this university.”
Bazan has served in Adventist higher education for more than 17 years. As associate dean for Student Affairs at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, she currently oversees all student services and support offices, including student clubs and events, the Records Office, tutoring and other academic support, and health and wellness services. As vice president of Student Life at La Sierra University from 2007 to 2021, she led 10 departments ranging from athletics and counseling to campus security and spiritual life. Before entering higher education, Bazan served in youth ministry for the Southeastern California Conference and began her career teaching in Adventist elementary schools.
“During my visits to the campus this year, I was blessed to experience the caring learning community that makes Union special,” said Bazan. “The values and mission are lived beautifully by the faculty, students, staff, and administration. It has been a sweet surprise to see God connect our paths. I am honored to be part of the next exciting chapter for this campus family.”
Bazan holds a Ph.D. in leadership from Andrews University, a master’s in administration and leadership as well as a bachelor’s from La Sierra University, and an associate degree from Loma Linda University. She has also taught graduate-level courses in educational leadership at La Sierra in addition to leading a seminar class in college success for first-year students for many years.”
Observations
In 2015 Bazan completed a doctoral dissertation at Andrews University on diversity and student engagement. Her dissertation appears to be Diversity, Inclusion and Equity (DIE) before it was popular.
In 2014, she was a presenter at the North American Division Higher Education Summit on LGBT.
She holds a BA in Liberal Studies from La Sierra University, Riverside, (1993)
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