Washington Adventist University Appoints Dr. Elfreda V. Blue as Provost

TAKOMA PARK, Md. — Washington Adventist University (WAU) has appointed Dr. Elfreda V. Blue as its new provost, effective July 27, 2026. A seasoned higher education leader with more than three decades of experience in academic administration, Dr. Blue brings a distinguished record of advancing academic excellence, student success, and institutional effectiveness.

Dr. Blue joins WAU from Hofstra University, where she has served as vice provost for undergraduate studies since 2022. Prior to that role, she served as vice provost for graduate and undergraduate studies, providing strategic leadership in academic policy, curriculum development, accreditation, and initiatives designed to enhance student achievement across multiple academic schools. Her experience in leading complex academic operations positions her to strengthen WAU’s commitment to excellence in teaching, learning, and student outcomes.

“Dr. Blue’s extensive leadership experience, commitment to academic innovation, and dedication to student success make her an outstanding addition to the Washington Adventist University community,” said Dr. Cheryl Harris Kisunzu, WAU’s Interim President. “Her passion for faith-based education and her collaborative approach to leadership align perfectly with the university’s mission of preparing graduates to become competent moral leaders.” she continued.

Dr. Blue earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She also holds both a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Andrews University. Her professional service reflects a longstanding commitment to Adventist higher education, having served as a founding board member of the Seventh-day Adventist College Fund and as a former board member of the Adventist Accreditation Association. She also currently serves on Hofstra University’s Middle States accreditation self-study steering committee.

A lifelong Seventh-day Adventist, Dr. Blue has dedicated her career to advancing the mission of Christian higher education. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes academic excellence, faith-centered service, and the development of graduates who lead with integrity, compassion, and professional competence.

As provost, Dr. Blue will serve as WAU’s chief academic officer, providing leadership for the university’s academic programs, faculty development, accreditation efforts, and student success initiatives while supporting the institution’s strategic vision and mission.

The Washington Adventist University community welcomes Dr. Blue and looks forward to the leadership, experience, and vision she will bring as the university continues to prepare students for lives of service, leadership, and lifelong learning.