Washington Adventist University Welcomes New Interim Vice President for Advancement

Takoma Park, MD (December 4, 2015) Washington Adventist University (WAU) President Weymouth Spence, EdD, RT, is pleased to announce that John Wagner, EdD, will serve as the university’s new three-quarter time Interim Vice President for Advancement.

Wagner comes out of retirement to fill the position, which is similar to the one he filled for seven months at Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee. He holds his doctorate in curriculum and instruction from the University of Florida College of Education in Gainesville. His undergraduate degree in biology and religion is from Atlantic Union College in South Lancaster, Massachusetts. Wagner is married to Lilya Wagner, EdD, director of philanthropic service for institutions in the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Though he has lived in multiple locations across the Midwest, Wagner is no stranger to Washington Adventist University. He still considers the East Coast home. While growing up in Pennsylvania, he attended Washington Adventist University (then known as Washington Missionary College) for one year before transferring to Atlantic Union College. He also served the campus church, Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church, as part-time administrative pastor.

“We are honored to have him join the team. His positive leadership in Adventist higher education will be a great asset to the university,” said Spence.

Wagner’s goal is not to be the next long-term Vice President for Advancement, but rather assist the university until a permanent vice president is hired. He said, “I have a lot of respect for Dr. Spence, and I hope to bring some value added by helping out a little.” He said his first objective is to conduct a fundraising assessment, which will help guide an actual fundraising plan.

Wagner will take on his new role on January 20, 2016. Wagner’s office will be located in Wilkinson Hall, Office of Advancement, suite 305, 7600 Flower Ave., Takoma Park, Md. 20912 and his email will be Jhwagner@wau.edu.

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Washington Adventist University is Montgomery County’s only four-year private college. Part of the Seventh-day Adventist system of higher education, Washington Adventist University has been educating college students since 1904 on a 19-acre campus in suburban Takoma Park, close to the nation’s capital. Approximately 1,100 students of all faiths participate in the university’s nine graduate and 31 undergraduate programs. The 2016 edition of U.S. News & World Report ranked Washington Adventist University among the best regional colleges in the north.

Media Contacts:
Angie Crews, 301-891-4134, acrews@wau.edu
Donna Bigler, 240-286-1169, dbigler@wau.edu