The Oakwood University Board of Trustees shares the following statement with our community:
Dr. Leslie N. Pollard has accepted a new opportunity to join the North American Division (NAD) as Assistant to the President for Pastoral Continuing Education and Mission. In this new role, he will supervise and coordinate the Division’s engagement with continuing education for clergy and second-career ministerial professionals. He will assume this new role on July 1, 2025.
Dr. Pollard will continue to serve as President of Oakwood University through the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year.
The Board extends its profound gratitude to Dr. Pollard for his nearly 15 years of dedicated service as our President. During his tenure, Oakwood University achieved many milestones and significant achievements that the Oakwood family will celebrate later in the school year. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the institution through the pandemic, launching innovative graduate programs, pioneering research on the spiritual life of young adults, strengthening community ties, securing unprecedented financial grants, and broadening our representation in state and national educational associations.
“Dr. Pollard has dedicated his life to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, first as a pastor and then in higher education; his experience will benefit countless others as he takes on this new challenge,” said G. Alexander Bryant, Chairman of Oakwood University Board and President, North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Please join us in thanking Dr. Pollard for his faithful, God-first leadership of Oakwood University. The Board will collaborate with Dr. Pollard and the University’s administration to ensure a seamless leadership transition to the next President, who will continue a strong focus on Oakwood University’s mission and long-term strategy.
The Board will appoint a search committee and will share updates in the coming weeks as it begins to identify prospective candidates for the vital role of Oakwood University President.
Sincerely,
G. Alexander Bryant, Chairman