Office of
Mission & Culture
Diversity

Celebrating the image of God in every person.

A Theological Vision for Diversity

At Andrews University, our commitment to diversity is not political—it is biblical. We believe that every human being is created in the image of God, and therefore, every person is inherently valuable, gifted, and essential to the flourishing of our community.

Diversity is not a challenge to unity; it is the expression of God’s creativity and love. Our differences—whether cultural, ethnic, generational, or experiential—enrich our understanding of the gospel and reflect the fullness of God’s Kingdom.

“We cannot say we love God if we do not love those who bear His image.”
– adapted from theological reflections by Dr. Willie Hucks

Unity in the Body of Christ

Our foundation rests on Fundamental Belief #14 of the Seventh-day Adventist Church: Unity in the Body of Christ. This belief reminds us that through the Holy Spirit, God brings together people from every background into one community of faith.

We are committed to:

  • Fostering environments where every voice is heard and valued
  • Confronting barriers to belonging and equity
  • Practicing reconciliation where harm has occurred
  • Celebrating the mosaic of identities that make up our global campus

True unity is not sameness—it is a Spirit-led harmony that honors the stories, experiences, and gifts of each individual.

Honoring Every Dimension of Identity

The Office of Mission and Culture affirms that diversity includes, but is not limited to:

  • Ethnicity & Culture
  • Females and Males
  • Age & Generational Identity
  • Abled & Differently Abled
  • Socioeconomic Experience
  • Language & National Origin

By embracing this breadth of human experience, we prepare our students to lead in a complex world, informed by justice, compassion, and Christlike love.