Patricia Gustin

Teaching has been a way of life for Patricia Gustin since 1958, when she began her career in education teaching grades 1-8 in the public school in North Bend, Neb. After receiving her BS in elementary education from Union College in Lincoln, Neb., Gustin spent the next several years teaching in schools across Nebraska. In 1965 she had a two-year stint teaching first through fourth graders at the Far Eastern Academy Elementary School in Singapore that set her down what would be a life-long path of passion for overseas missions.

Gustin returned to the States for two more years, serving as the girls dean at Sunnydale Academy in Missouri, but the Midwest wouldn't be able to keep her for long. In 1969, Gustine returned to Far Eastern Academy where she spent the nest four years serving as the dean of girls. Wanting to expand her education in the field of Missions, Gustin decided to attend Andrews University, where she graduated with her MA in religion with a mission emphasis in 1975.

After graduating from Andrews, Gustin would begin what would become a 23-year-long career in Thailand, where she served in various positions, including dean, teacher, principal, administrator, and pastor.

In 1992, Gustin returned once again to the United States when she became the director of the English as a Second Language program at Walla Walla College in College Place, Wash. While on the west coast, Gustin received her MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Azusa-Pacific University in Azusa, Calif. in 1993. She remained at Walla Walla until 1996 when she became the first woman director of the Institute of World Mission, housed at Andrews University.

Gustin's vision for missions and education has brought about huge improvements in missionary education and methods, as well as re-entry programming for returning missionaries. She has had several articles published in the Adventist Review, Ministry Magazine, Dialogue, Guide and Youth Instructor.

Throughout the years, Gustin has remained a strong voice for women leadership in the Adventist church. In 2003, she received the Association of Adventist Women's Woman of the Year Award. Other honors received include listing in 1994's Who's Who Among American Teachers, 1964's Outstanding Young Women of America, and 1962's Who's Who Among American Colleges and Universities.

For her life-long commitment to missions, education and the Seventh-day Adventist Church at large, the faculty of Andrews University take pleasure in presenting to Patricia Gustin the John Nevins Andrews Medallion.