The former general vice president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church holds extensive experience in education and leadership, and approaches the appointment “with joyful enthusiasm.”
The University Council is pleased to announce it has voted to invite Delbert W. Baker, Ph.D., to serve as the next vice chancellor of the Adventist University of Africa, (AUA). Baker with his wife, Susan M. Baker, PT, D.Sc., sense God's call in the invitation and approach the appointment with joyful enthusiasm.
Baker's outstanding preparation in academics, leadership skills, and general professional experience suit him well to meet the challenges AUA will face during the next five years. Prior to his service as a general vice president of the Seventh-day Adventist world church from 2010-2015, Baker served 14 years as the president of Oakwood University. He also served Loma Linda University for four years as special assistant and director of diversity for the president of the university.
Baker has extensive experience in publication and public speaking, having served as the editor of Message Magazine at the Review & Herald Publishing Association for seven years. He continues to write prolifically, including a regular column for the Adventist Review and the Adventist World magazines, along with other periodicals and journals. To some degree his public speaking record exceeds his publication record, which is no surprise as Baker served as an ordained church pastor for 10 years. He continues to serve the church through public evangelism and special preaching events along with professional training on many levels throughout the world.
Baker's earned degrees include: Ph.D. in Organizational Communication from Howard University in Washington, D.C., 1992; Master of Divinity Degree in Pastoral Administration and Counseling from Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, 1978; and Bachelor of Science in Theology with a minor in History from Oakwood University, Huntsville, Alabama, 1975. He also holds several certificates and significant credentials in leadership and organizational communication, including a certificate in crisis management. In addition, he has held faculty rank in religion and theology, and English and communication at the undergraduate and graduate levels.