WAU Opens 2026–2027 Academic Year With Vision 2030 Colloquium and Prayer of Consecration

TAKOMA PARK, Md. — Washington Adventist University (WAU) welcomed faculty, staff, and administrators back to campus for the start of the 2026–2027 academic year with its annual Colloquium, a time dedicated to spiritual renewal, institutional vision, professional development, and preparation for the year ahead.

Held under the banner “Our 2026–2027 Academic Year: Vision 2030 Colloquium 2026,” the gathering reflected WAU’s continued commitment to moving “Ever Upward,” inspired by Deuteronomy 28:13, while embracing the historic aspiration, “My Hopes for This Place Are High.”

The Colloquium began Wednesday, August 12, Dr. Cheryl Harris Kisunzu, interim president of Washington Adventist University, officially welcomed the university community, setting the tone for a new academic year centered on mission, excellence, collaboration, and a shared vision for WAU’s future. The opening devotional was presented by Pastor Marlon Reid, lead pastor of Takoma Park Seventh-day Adventist Church.

A central focus of the morning was Vision 2030, providing an opportunity to focus the campus community on WAU’s direction, priorities, and aspirations for the future. The program included a special interview with Dr. Marcellus Robinson, chair of the Washington Adventist University Board of Trustees. During the conversation, Robinson shared insights into his personal and professional background and spoke about his commitment to Christian education and to the mission and future of Washington Adventist University.

The conversation offered faculty and staff an opportunity to learn more about the leadership and perspective of the Board chair while underscoring the important partnership between the Board of Trustees and university leadership. Robinson’s reflections reinforced the shared commitment to ensuring that WAU continues to provide a Christ-centered educational experience while preparing students for lives of leadership and service. The Colloquium schedule identified the morning session as a Vision 2030 discussion featuring the Board chair and insights with Kisunzu.

The program also addressed important institutional and academic matters. Ricardo Flores, chief compliance, institutional research, and effectiveness officer, and Ralph Johnson, vice president for student life, provided an update on the Adventist Accrediting Association site visit and related actions in preparation for February 2027. Lily Gregory, director of human resources, introduced new employees, welcoming the newest members of the WAU family.

Faculty development was also an important component of the Colloquium. Melinda Villanueva, faculty development chair, led a session on the “Pedagogy of Christian Teaching,” reinforcing the distinctive role of faith within the educational experience at Washington Adventist University.

A Prayer of Consecration at the Gateway to Service

One of the most meaningful moments of the opening-day activities took place following lunch, when WAU administrators, faculty, and staff gathered at the Gateway to Service in the University Commons for a special beginning-of-the-year prayer of consecration and commitment.

Standing together at a location that symbolizes WAU’s longstanding commitment to service, members of the university community united in prayer, asking for God’s guidance, protection, wisdom, and blessings upon Washington Adventist University for the 2026–2027 academic year and beyond.

The prayer was led by Pastor Alex Barrientos, senior pastor of Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church, who invited the university community to commit the institution, its students, faculty, staff, leadership, and mission to God. The Colloquium schedule designated the 1:30 p.m. gathering as the “Gateway Prayer — Beginning of the Year.”

The gathering served as a visible reminder that WAU’s work extends beyond academic achievement. As a Christ-centered institution, the university seeks to educate students for lives of competence, moral leadership, and service while remaining grounded in its spiritual mission.

As Washington Adventist University begins another year of learning, faith, and service, the 2026 Colloquium represents more than the opening of an academic calendar. It is a renewed commitment by the university community to work together toward Vision 2030, strengthen the student experience, advance the mission of Christian higher education, and seek God’s direction in all that lies ahead.

With its Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, and staff united in purpose and prayer, WAU enters the 2026–2027 academic year with confidence in its mission, hope for its future, and a determination to continue moving “Ever Upward.”