This upcoming May marks the end of an era.
Not only will the spring semester and the academic year draw to a close once again, but Andrews University will bid farewell to an exceptional individual who dedicated herself to her work, the people she worked with, and the entirety of the student body.
As the flagship institution for higher education of the Seventh-day Adventist church, Andrews University has had a long and illustrious history. AU would not be where it is today without the sweat, tears, and perseverance of the ones who strived for the good of its students and the campus as a whole, and Andrea Luxton has gone above and beyond this criteria. Starting her tenure at AU as provost, she went on to become the sixth university president, and the first woman to hold the position. During her time as president, students and faculty alike have had the privilege of watching President Luxton in action as she worked tirelessly for the benefit of this campus.
From 2016 to 2023, Andrews University went through both major events and substantial improvements in select areas under Luxton’s leadership. Some of these included the construction of the Andreasen Wellness Center in 2019, guiding the university in making deliberate, calculated decisions during a global pandemic, and being tactfully proactive during political turmoil and unrest.
In regard to the social issues present on campus during Luxton’s presidency, not only did she respond to the student-led #itistime movement, (a movement asking AU to become more aware of their history surrounding institutional racism) but she did so by giving a chapel talk that prompted the campus to boldly face the issue head-on. Probably the most important aspect of social inclusion that Luxton did as president, however, was to help in the formation of the administrative role of Vice President of University Culture and Inclusion, a position currently held by Michael Nixon.
The scope of Luxton’s impact as University president doesn’t just stop at Andrews. It holds true that the fact Luxton held (and has previously held) such an influential position within the Adventist church makes much more of an impact when one looks at how Seventh-day Adventism is still struggling with equitable representation in terms of women in high leadership roles.
Even today in 2023, the issue of whether women can be ordained within the denomination is still a heated global debate, and although handled relatively well by world leaders regardless of position, the fact that this is even an issue in the first place poses serious questions as to how Seventh-day Adventism views women in influential positions, especially in roles regarding the church. Gender inequity, even within our own communities, is a real and present reality.
The reality that Luxton has held multiple seats of high leadership within educational settings is both commendable and inspirational, especially to other women who may want to strive and attain a similar goal. No longer does it become a faraway possibility of a theoretical pipe dream, but it becomes a tangible, attainable, and realistic future. It is thanks to individuals like President Luxton that these dreams of leadership can become a reality for many people who look towards their own career goals. Regardless of the church’s political turmoil when it comes to such things, the possibility is there, and for some, that is more than enough.
The mere possibility of an influential role for some may play a large factor in motivation, for in regard to new leadership that will soon take over after Luxton’s retirement, it is safe to say that there are many differing points of view that may soon impact areas of the campus dynamic. The question of “What do you hope to see under the new leadership at AU?” may range from hopefulness to apprehension.
In regard to potential changes on campus, Abraham Bravo (senior, political science) hopes for “Better dorms [specifically Lamson], better Wi-Fi, and… no longer hav[ing] a monopoly on food catering on campus.” However, he also has reservations on “not becom[ing] theocratic while we teach. However, while I [don’t] want this to happen, I really don’t have much hope; especially with the new leadership.” Jeremy Samuel (freshman, nursing) “Would like to see [the new leadership] continue in the diversity and inclusion efforts on campus; that is what personally drew me to Andrews and I know that loads of Black teens also share these feelings.”
On the aspect of spiritual growth, Katie Davis (sophomore, social work) hopes “to see AUs new leader[ship]…foster more positive, Christian, and memorable social events for everybody to enjoy…most importantly, I want faculty, students, and future students to be excited about missions and service and I would love to see the new leadership paving a way for my generation to go serve.” Nate Sitanggang (junior, finance) shares a similar view, saying that he “hope[s] the new leadership at AU continue to pray and seek God’s guidance in all their decisions; maintaining the foundation that has been built at Andrews as well as being open to the changes that come along the way.”
It may be true that faces change and influential positions shift. While that may be considered expected and inevitable, it is only because of remarkable people such as President Luxton that change happens because of the changed; and not the event that served as a catalyst.
Andrea Luxton was one of many that encouraged Andrews University to strive and create world changers: the question now becomes whether or not we want to follow that ideal.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.