Washington Adventist University to Host 3rd Biannual Seventh-day Adventist Higher Education Institutions Director of Athletics Conference in July 2026
Written by: Athletics Department
Takoma Park, MD — July 2026 — Washington Adventist University (WAU) is proud to announce that it will host the 3rd Biannual Seventh-day Adventist Higher Education Institutions Director of Athletics Conference, bringing together athletic directors from Adventist colleges and universities across North America. The event, which will take place in July 2026 on WAU’s scenic Takoma Park campus, marks a significant milestone for collaboration, innovation, and faith-based leadership in collegiate athletics.
This year’s conference follows the successful gatherings hosted by Burman University in Alberta, Canada, and most recently by La Sierra University in Riverside, California. These past conferences laid a strong foundation for open dialogue, strategic planning, and unified advancement of Adventist athletics. WAU is honored to carry that momentum forward as it welcomes peers from across the SDA higher education landscape.
The 2026 theme will be set later this summer. Sessions will explore a range of topics including mental health support, spiritual development, academic integration, leadership, and strategic partnerships—all aimed at enhancing the experience of student-athletes and equipping coaches with tools to lead with excellence and care.
“Hosting this conference means a great deal—WAU was the first SDA university to embrace Athletics,” said Jered Lyons, Athletic Director at WAU. “We’re excited to facilitate a space where our peers can come together, share best practices, and collectively raise the standard for SDA collegiate athletics.”
In addition to thought-provoking panels and workshops, the conference will include a sightseeing day in Washington, D.C., allowing attendees to explore the rich history and culture of the nation’s capital. Attendees will spend the Sabbath together with the shared spiritual foundation that connects all SDA institutions.
Washington Adventist University’s hosting of the conference reflects its ongoing commitment to building strong athletic programs grounded in faith, service, and student-centered leadership. As student-athlete welfare becomes an increasingly prominent focus nationwide, the conference offers a timely and impactful forum to address emerging challenges and create collaborative solutions.
For more information, updates, and conference registration details, please visit www.wauathletics.com.
