Anna Piskozub began her journey at Andrews University on May 30, 1995, in the School of Education. She came to Andrews from Chicago, Illinois, where she spent many years working at two large law firms.
Her first role at Andrews was as executive secretary for graduate programs under the leadership of Jerome Thayer. With his guidance, Anna was introduced to the complex and meaningful world of graduate education. “I quickly learned about how strong systems, careful processes and thoughtful support are essential in helping students succeed,” she shares. “It was also during this time that I realized I wanted to continue growing personally and professionally, so I became a student myself.”
Over the years, Anna pursued undergraduate coursework at Andrews University and completed her remaining studies at Atlantic Union College, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2008. Later, following a change in direction that reflected her growing interest in health and well-being, she completed a master’s degree in nutrition and wellness from Andrews in 2013.
Much of Anna’s professional life was devoted to supporting graduate students. She worked behind the scenes to track academic progress, build systems to help students stay on course, and collaborate closely with faculty and administrators. Her attention to detail, organizational skill and genuine care for students allowed her to grow into roles of increasing responsibility, including graduate programs service coordinator in the School of Education and, later, accreditation, assessment and graduate record officer in the College of Education & International Services.
Some of the highlights of Anna’s career were her involvement in major institutional initiatives, including the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation process. She took great pride in contributing to work that strengthened programs and ensured excellence in graduate education. “Equally meaningful to me were the relationships I built along the way—with colleagues who shared my dedication and with students whose success made every challenge worthwhile,” she says.
Anna also shared her commitment to healthy living with the campus. She served as a fitness instructor and mat Pilates instructor in the Lamson Health Club from 2000–2018. In 2017, she began work as an adjunct professor to teach Pilates for the School of Population Health, Nutrition & Wellness, a role she continues presently in addition to teaching the 6 a.m. classes for the Andreasen Center for Wellness.
In May 2024, Anna transitioned to the Global Leadership Institute, serving as operations program coordinator. Although the role came with a steep learning curve, it proved to be a joyful and meaningful final chapter in her career. Working in a mission-centered environment focused on developing church leaders allowed her to combine her professional skills with her deep faith. “I am especially grateful for the mentorship, encouragement and support I received during that time,” she reflects.
Throughout her career, Anna has been guided by her faith as a committed Seventh-day Adventist Christian. She shares, “I firmly believe that God placed me in each role not only to challenge me but also to keep Him at the center of my work and encourage me to serve others with compassion, humility and integrity.”
As Anna retires, she does so with a full and grateful heart. She reflects with deep appreciation on the love, respect and support she received from faculty, students, graduate assistants and colleagues over the years. “Andrews University has been far more than a workplace—it has been a community, a ministry and a home,” she says. “The friendships formed here and the lives touched will remain with me always.”