, East-Central African Division / ANN
The Adventist University of Africa (AUA) in Kenya has inaugurated Delbert Baker as its new vice chancellor at a two-day celebration attended by church and governmental officials.
The consecration service featured a keynote address by Paul Ratsara, president of the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The installation service was led out by Ella Simmons, general vice president of the Adventist world church and chair of the AUA Council, along with Blasious Ruguri, president of the Adventist Church’s East-Central Africa Division, and chancellor of AUA.
This week's event culminated with special celebratory speeches from Adventist world church president Ted N.C. Wilson; Adventist world church general vice president Geoffrey Mbwana; Oakwood University president Leslie Pollard; family ministries director for the Adventist Church, Willie Oliver; education director for the Adventist Church, Lisa Beardsley-Hardy, and a host of others.
Baker was introduced by his son, Benjamin Baker, who serves as the associate director of the Office of Archives, Statistics and Research of the Adventist Church.
In his remarks, the new vice chancellor challenged the university family to join him in pursuing “unstoppable advancement, academic excellence, and adventures under the Almighty.”
During the ceremony, the chancellor of AUA, Blasious Ruguri, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Baker to the vice-chancellorship of one of the greatest Adventist universities in the world. He has an outstanding reputation as both a denominational and academic leader in the Adventist church. We look forward to working with him to help take AUA onward and upward.”
Baker has a Ph.D. in organizational communication. He is also a certified executive leadership coach and a certified trainer in emotional intelligence. He has authored more than 15 books, including From Exile to Prime Minister: The Life and Leadership of Samson Kisekka; Make Us One: Celebrating Spiritual Unity in the Midst of Cultural Diversity; and The Unknown Prophet: The Life and Times of William Ellis Foy.
Prior to coming to AUA, Baker served as general vice president for the Adventist world church (2010-15), the 10th president of Oakwood University (1996-2010), special assistant to the president and director of diversity at Loma Linda University (1992-1996), associate director of the Ellen G. White Estate (1992), editor of Message Magazine (1985-1992) and as a pastor in the Allegheny West Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (1975-1985).
Throughout the years, Baker has been dedicated to the work of the church, community building, evangelism, and the development of students and leaders with a focus on excellence.
In 1975, Baker married Susan (Lee). Their marriage has formed the foundation of their collective ministry. Susan holds a doctorate in science (Loma Linda University, 1999) and has had a notable career in physical therapy, administration, and education. The Bakers have three adult sons: David, DPT, physical therapist; Benjamin, Ph.D., historian; and Jonathan, MS, human resource professional. They have three grandchildren: Isabella, Zachary, and Jackson; and two additional grandchildren who are scheduled to arrive later this year.
Though based in Kenya, AUA is directly affiliated with the Adventist Church’s world headquarters and offers Adventist graduate-level education throughout Africa. Doctoral programs are taught on its main campus, and other programs — such as theology and business — are taught by revolving faculty on Adventist campuses throughout the continent.
