Adventist Church Appoints New University President in the Dominican Republic

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Dominican Republic appointed José David Gómez as the new president of its higher education institution in Villa Sonador, Monseñor Nouel. Dr. Gómez was welcomed by the institution's board of trustee members, educators, and students during a special installation program held during the school’s Commencement Ceremony on July 29th.

Dr. Gómez, a native of the Dominican Republic, accepted the new appointment as president of Dominican Adventist University (UNAD). He had been serving as the institution’s vice president, in charge of campus planning and development. Previously, he served as executive vice president of the UNAD’s Santo Domingo Campus Extension Department. Gómez replaces Angel Gúzman, who was elected in April 2021 as vice president of academic affairs for the Inter-American Adventist Theological Seminary (IATS) based in Puerto Rico.

Pastor Paulino Puello, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Dominican Republic and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, informed those in attendance of the selection process and the vote to appoint Gómez as president. “We pray that together with God’s help and your team you can serve and benefit the community and the country well,” said Puello.

During his 36 years of denominational service, Dr. Gómez has also served in Puerto Rico as Vice President of Campus Planning and Development at Antillean Adventist University, chaplain, school principal, district pastor, bible teacher, bible worker, and literature evangelist.

Dr. Gómez has two doctorate degrees in education from the Universidad de Puerto Rico, one with an emphasis in guidance and counseling, and another in educational administration and supervision. He also obtained a doctoral certificate in religious education from Andrews University and a master’s in education from the Universidad de Puerto Rico. Gómez obtained a bachelor’s in pastoral theology and secondary education from then Antillean College, now Antillean Adventist University, in Mayaguez.

Winston Hiciano, Treasurer for the church in the Dominican Republic and board of trustee member, called on Dr. Gómez to ensure that the Adventist university continues to be a model in the community which follows the teachings of Jesus Christ in fulfilling “the mission at hand to form excellent, innovative professionals with Christian values, firmed with the Adventist philosophy ready to serve God, country and the world,” Hiciano said.

Former university presidents prayed over Dr. Gómez during the official installation of his new responsibility leading UNAD.

Established in 1946 as Colegio Adventista Dominicano, and later upgraded to Dominican Adventist University, the institution offers 10 undergraduate degrees and five postgraduate degrees. The university is accredited by the Adventist Accreditation Agency and the national government in the Dominican Republic.

To learn more about the Dominican Adventist University and its degree programs, projects, and activities, visit unad.edu.do

This article was originally published on the Inter-America Division’s website