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Oakwood to Become a North American Division Institution (497 hits)

In a vote of 129 to 1, Oakwood University is being recommended to become a North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists-sponsored institution of higher learning. This vote was taken today at a "Called Session" of the Oakwood University Constituency, held on the heels of Annual Council at the World Headquarters in Silver Spring, Md.

"Oakwood University has been a vital part of Seventh-day educational system, training many leaders of our Church, said Elder Ted Wilson, president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. "On behalf of the World Church, we value Oakwood," he said. These words were shared as he opened the meeting.

The rationale for the recommendation of the Oakwood University Board of Trustees anticipates a number of benefits which would accrue to the Oakwood University enterprise. These benefits include:
• Oakwood finds greater mission congruence and financial support within the North American Division; the Division most directly impacted by its operation;
• the decision to become a North American Division institution grants greater legal, constitutional, and voting influence to the core NAD constituencies served by Oakwood University;
• the new organizational placement would reconcile the historic purpose for Oakwood's founding with the focus, scope, and results of its 118-year operation.
During the meeting, Elder Dan Jackson, president of the North American Division and Oakwood University board chair, praised the General Conference for taking the heed of God and the counsel from Ellen G. White on the education of African Americans. It was White's counsel in the late 1890s to open a school that would educate recently-freed African-Americans of the South. "We offer deep gratitude to the General Conference for they way in which they have fostered this work," said Jackson. "And to Oakwood University, we say welcome home," he stated.

The vote also included recommended changes to the University's Constitution and Bylaws. Both recommendations will be received for a vote at the North American Division's Year-end Meeting which will take place at the end of October.