Dr Beverly P. Gordon Appointed New Chair of the Psychology Department at WAU

For such a time as this … Dr. Beverly Gordon has her Ketanji Brown Jackson Moment at Washington Adventist University (WAU).

WAU celebrates Dr. Beverly P. Gordon as the new Chair of the Psychology Department. “I am so very pleased to welcome Dr. Beverly Gordon back to WAU as Chair of our Psychology Department,” says Dr. Cheryl Kisunzu, Provost at WAU. 

“During her recent tenure as one of the Department’s full-time faculty – Dr. Gordon not only consistently demonstrated exemplary instructional competencies, but she evidenced spirit-filled mindfulness of the importance of creating an academic environment where each student entrusted to her care grew in wisdom and stature, and favor with God and man. As she assumes leadership responsibility for the Department – a major priority will be to launch our offerings in the distance learning hybrid format through which abundant living will be actively affirmed by our WAU graduates, who will then leave through the university’s ‘Gateway to Service’ with insights which will promote the well-being of our global society.” Cheryl Kisunzu, Provost 

Originally from Jamaica, Dr. Gordon is the first woman, person of color, and immigrant to occupy this position since the Department’s inception in 1961. Her predecessor Dr. Grant Leitma, who has been at this right-sized institution for forty years, shares the preponderance of the date. “WAU was the first institution of higher education in the SDA educational system to start a psychology degree in 1961.” It is significant to note that this groundbreaking founding occurred while Psychology as a science was still less than a century old. Despite its modest size and humble beginnings, WAU continues to distinguish itself among other institutions of higher education with its vision and movement. Thus, this appointment is no exception to the rule and legacy that transcends the Gateway’s borders. 

While new to the position, Dr. Gordon is not foreign to the Department. She joined the staff as adjunct faculty in 2016, under the leadership of Dr. Leitma, who retired this year after serving as department Chair for 16 years. Considering this significant time of transition for the Department, Dr. Gordon’s prior administrative and leadership experience as Chair of an academic department makes her the perfect candidate for such a time as this. “A committed Seventh-day Adventist educator who understands the unique mission and purpose of Chrisitan education, her worldview integrates psychological science and the bible as foundational,” says Dr. Leitma. He adds, “the mission of the Psychology and Counseling Department at Washington Adventist University is to assist the student in mental, emotional, and spiritual development through the application of Christian principles of psychology. I am confident that with the assistance from Dr. Luttrell and Kim Parraway and all the adjuncts, the Department is not only in good hands, but will continue to inspire, challenge, and provide for students the pathway for spiritual and academic success.” 

In 2020 Dr. Gordon had made a career decision that would alter the course of her path and pull her away from the academic world into private practice, where she would be working with adults in mental health practice. Thus, she was not looking for a job or a full-time job at that. And as she put it, the next thing on her agenda was to retire. 

In October 2021, Dr. Gordon became aware of the position via The Visitor magazine. “When I saw that,” recalls Dr. Gordon, “I said to myself, ‘if it were a few years back, I’d do it.'” What Dr. Gordon did not know was that she would soon get a call from Dr. Leitma, asking her to consider applying for the position. “At first, it was a ‘no’ for me,” said Dr. Gordon. She then shared this with her husband, anticipating that she would be “off the hook,” but to her surprise, he said, “you should do it.” Disquieted by the answer she received from her husband, she spoke with a longtime friend, who said, “definitely! Say yes!”

Dr. Gordon shares that as she began thinking of what this would entail, she felt tempted to doubt but was reminded that if God wanted her there, He would make a way. In the process of prayer and consideration, she spoke with one of her friends in MD, who said, “Definitely! Who are you serving?” By now, Dr. Gordon had commenced noticing a pattern. And despite the overwhelming affirmative support of her family and friends, she still was reluctant. She shared that when she graduated from Northern Caribbean University (NCU), she graduated with a passion and mission that has never left her. And because this is something that she takes very seriously, she needed to know if this was God’s will for her life at this time. As she continued to pray, another friend told her, “there is no question!” With that, Dr. Gordon became determined to put God to one final big test. Her mother, who will be turning 90 this October. A former Nurse and Bible Worker, her mother, is still very sharp.

Nonetheless, Dr. Gordon’s primary concern in taking the position was that it would signify reduced availability to spend time with her mother. So she was expecting her not to be so enthused with the proposal. Dr. Gordon recalls the sense of clarity that struck her at the sound of her mother’s sigh of joy “Oh, Bev, I’m so happy!” That’s when she knew.  

“We are not here by chance,” says Dr. Gordon, “God’s gift of life to us is purposeful.” And while she is not fully aware of the specificities of what God desires from her at this time, she is convinced and confident that this is where she needs to be now, for such a time as this. A time where her leadership will not be dictated by societal norms, gender, race, or age. “Those don’t determine what I do, but God’s will determines that,” she says. 

Dr. Gordon is secure that whatever God starts, He finishes; therefore, she does not look at this as just another job. “He started something a long time ago when I committed myself to Him,” she said, “and He’s in the process of finishing it, and I’m willing to go along for a ride and do what He wants me to do.”  

While it sounds spiritually romantic to utter such words, Dr. Gordon’s statements are backed up by her journey. From the moment she wakes up, she asks God to craft and direct her day- as she listens to the song that has become her mantra in life “Order My Steps.” Dr. Gordon feels that she is in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing because she said yes to God long ago. As she was reminded by one of her friends, this is her Ketanji Brown Jackson moment. “Justice Jackson’s appointment is a big deal as it will influence the entire nation. I have no idea how I will influence WAU. It might be for one person, and that would still be worth it,” says Dr. Gordon. 

Unsure of the uncertainties ahead but still unafraid to pursue this new role at full force, Dr. Gordon is certain of Who called her. Leadership, as she put it, is about having influence. And her goal is to influence up, down, across, and as far as she has the opportunity. 

Among Dr. Gordon’s many accomplishments, her most cherished titles are wife, mother, daughter, and friend. She is a lay preacher and loves gardening and photography. Dr. Gordon has authored and co-authored articles for professional journals such as the International Humanities Review and International Perspectives on Psychology. She has also authored devotionals for the Women’s Devotional published by Review and Herald, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2017. She has served as a reviewer for the American Education Research Association.

Dr. Gordon also has a history of working with Crozer-Keystone Health System, where there has been collaboration with educators to provide optimum mental health support for high-risk students in certain urban school districts in Pennsylvania. 

Her rich background of multicultural exposure in her personal and professional life has translated into a delight and enthusiasm for working with people from diverse ethnicities, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds. She shares deep respect and love for young people and is committed to being a vessel in His Majesty’s hands as He leads her through this new journey.