On Sept. 13, 2026, delegates to the Mid-America Union Conference constituency session voted 89% in favor of  Craig Carr to serve as vice president of administration for the union for the coming five years. Dr. Craig Carr steps into his new role as vice president for administration of the Mid-America Union Conference with experience that spans business, human resources, healthcare, pastoral ministry and church administration. For Carr, those different chapters are connected by a belief that God has been preparing him throughout his life for opportunities to serve. “I believe God is always preparing us for His will and plan for our lives,” Carr said. Carr earned a degree in business administration from Union Adventist University and worked in human resource management and healthcare administration before entering pastoral ministry. He began church ministry as an associate and youth pastor and later served as a district pastor and lead pastor. After 15 years in pastoral ministry, his calling shifted toward ministerial and administrative work. Along the way, he completed a Master of Divinity from Andrews University and, 12 years later, a Doctor of Ministry from Denver Seminary. Carr believes that wide range of experiences will be important in his new role. But he also recognizes that experience by itself is not enough. Serving as vice president for administration, he said, requires “a prayerful dependence on Jesus for wisdom to meet the growing complexities of life and ministry in 2026.” Carr hopes to use his role to encourage and support the union office team as well as conferences, pastors and teachers as they carry out their own callings. His years in ministry and administration have also taught him not to rush when facing difficult problems. Whether dealing with an organizational crisis or a situation involving an individual, Carr said it is important to remember that “where we find ourselves today did not likely happen overnight” and that quick fixes are often not the answer. Instead, he tries to understand the systems, processes, relationships and perspectives that helped create a situation. That means looking beyond assumptions and recognizing that people may have made difficult decisions based on what they knew at the time. “There’s always a story half-written,” Carr said. For him, good decision-making requires taking time to understand that story and prayerfully seeking a way forward. Two Bible passages help shape that approach to life and leadership. Gal. 2:20 has been Carr’s favorite verse for many years. Its message that “Christ lives in me” reminds him that his identity is found in Jesus. He sees everyday life as an opportunity to experience Christ living through him while remembering that his value comes from the One who loves him and gave His life for him. Carr, a runner, also connects deeply with the words of Heb. 12:1–2 and its call to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.” He sees the “great cloud of witnesses” described in the passage as a reminder of the mentors, leaders and people of faith who have gone before. Their examples can provide encouragement, but the focus must remain on Jesus. The passage also reminds Carr of the discipline required to remove things that hinder growth and effectiveness and to keep moving forward even when circumstances are difficult. About Craig Carr Craig Carr holds degrees from Union Adventist University, Andrews University and Denver Seminary. His 29 years of ministry include pastoral, ministerial and administrative leadership. Most recently, he served as Mid-America Union ministerial and evangelism director. He and his wife, Carisa, have been married for 30 years and have two adult children.

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On Sept. 13, 2026, delegates to the Mid-America Union Conference constituency session voted 98% in favor of returning Elder Roy Simpson to serve as vice president of finance for the union for the coming five years. For the Mid-America Union Conference’s vice president for finance, being returned to serve is another opportunity to see what God will do through His church. Rather than focusing on what uniquely qualifies him for the position, Elder Roy Simpson points to the opportunities God has provided throughout his career and the people who have helped shape his ministry. “I don’t think I pay too much attention to how I am uniquely prepared to serve in this capacity,” he said. “I think God blesses us as church workers more than what we can ever give to Him.” Simpson’s financial career has given him opportunities to work in several organizations and positions, from accounting to conference treasury. Yet he says some of his greatest blessings have come through the people alongside him. “More than anything, I have been blessed by the people I have worked with,” he stated. That emphasis on people continues to shape how he approaches financial leadership at the Mid-America Union. One of the most important lessons Simpson has learned is that God remains in control and cares for His church. “He cares for His church more than we do, so He’ll guide us,” he said. At the same time, he believes people must remain at the center of the work. “The most important thing is our people,” Simpson stated. “If there is any way we can do something, it is with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and working together.” That combination of trust in God and collaboration has shaped his approach to serving the church. His experience includes positions in accounting and financial coordination as well as several years in conference treasury. Before coming to Mid-America, Simpson served six years as treasurer of the Ohio Conference. A passage that helps keep his priorities centered is John 17:3, which describes eternal life as knowing God and Jesus Christ. “Nothing is more important than seeking and knowing God by walking with Him daily,” he said. As Simpson continues serving Mid-America, his attention remains on what God will do through the people and organizations that make up the union. “I look forward to seeing what God will do in His church in Mid-America,” he concluded. About Roy Simpson Simpson holds degrees in business administration and finance and has served the church in accounting, treasury and financial leadership. Before coming to Mid-America, he served six years as Ohio Conference treasurer. Simpson comes from a family of church workers. He and his wife, Melissa, have two children.

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A great university isn’t built by accident. Over the last five years, Union Adventist University worked to create and implement a strategic plan to build on Union’s 135 year legacy of preparing students to learn, serve and lead. Here are nine of the most visible achievements of that plan.  #9 A revamped employee mentorship program Following the pandemic, the employee mentorship program needed a jump start. New employees are assigned mentors and provided with funds to go out to eat together once a month. “I really appreciated being given the time to connect with someone outside of my department on a deeper level,” said Cid Coto, director of Union’s Integrated Marketing Communications. “It’s easy to just see the same five people every day. The mentorship program really helps create connections across campus.” #8 Improved safety features Lincoln is not exactly a hotbed of crime, but as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. More and more doors on campus have electronic locks which allows the university to restrict access to those with ID cards. There are also more security cameras, better lit parking lots, exit sensors and a contract for professional security guards at night. That all adds up to safer students.  #7 Remodeled classrooms When prospective students walk into the Hill Amphitheater in the basement of the Everett Dick Building, the reaction is “Woah!” In a good way. It used to be “Oh!” But not in a good way. Since the renovation was completed in 2023, the amphitheater is more accessible for everybody and every body, with tables and chairs that allow for long legs and all body shapes. The red and yellow chairs from the 1970s are gone in the amphitheater. Classrooms no longer rely on cramped desk/chair combos, but instead have more accessible tables and chairs for all classes, large and small. Another “Woah!” moment? The AdventHealth Innovation Classroom on the third floor of the Everett Dick Building. Infinitely configurable, this space allows teachers and students to adjust their group dynamics to fit any learning goal. On the second floor of Engel Hall, the new digital recording lab also gets students excited about learning.  #6 Targeting growing demographics With one of the most diverse student bodies in the Midwest, Union’s enrollment reflects the wider Seventh-day Adventist population, the most diverse religion in America according to data from Pew Research Center. An increasing percentage of our student body is Hispanic (26%), international (9%) and Black (7%). While the students speak English, many parents do not. Union created a position for a Spanish-speaking enrollment counselor in 2024, and with the assistance of a Spanish-speaking financial aid counselor, dean and academic advisors, families can use their preferred language to navigate the entire process of enrolling and moving in. #5 Remodeled residence halls Room-by-room and hall-by-hall, Union’s residence halls have been slowly getting a makeover that is ongoing. “Union has always been a strong community, and it is reassuring to have people who give so our students feel that spirit of care,” said Santi Fernandez, associate dean. “I walked a student to one of the updated rooms, and when I opened the door, his mouth dropped open. He looked at me and asked, ‘Is this really my room?’ He was so happy and grateful for the opportunity to live in such a nice dorm room that he got emotional. I am personally thankful to the alumni and friends of Union Adventist University who have made him and so many other students feel valued and loved.” #4 Small group ministries If you walk through a dorm hallway or common area at Union Adventist University on any weekday night, you’ll likely see a group of students praying, studying the Bible, crafting or exercising — and often mixing three or more of those activities. Since 2023, the Residential Life team and Campus Ministries at Union have been emphasizing small groups as a way of creating low-anxiety social connections.  Gen Z has been dubbed “the anxious generation” and “the loneliest generation,” with surveys suggesting that nearly a third of 12-27 year olds experience strong social anxiety. Many struggle with the large and loud events Gen X and Millennials enjoyed as students. Students have expressed an appreciation for the limited size of their group, which allows them to feel comfortable opening up and participating in whatever activity the group is focused on. #3 The AdventHealth Complex Forty years after breaking ground on “Phase II” of the Larson Lifestyle Center, a new 40,000 square foot fieldhouse of the renamed AdventHealth Complex provides students with a place to unwind, workout and play while providing the campus with an industry and outreach to the Lincoln community.  #2 New academic options The university has added several new programs that closely align with its value of service. Union now offers both an associate degree for occupational therapy assistants and a master’s in occupational therapy. Students who earn the associate degree can leapfrog their bachelor’s and start on their master’s in a unique bridge program. Union also launched a master’s in leadership, as well as workplace development certificates. The Psychology Program added certification for alcohol and drug abuse counseling, giving students a career path without having to earn a master’s degree first. #1 A new name When the name “Union College” was chosen in 1891, there were already two well established schools with that name in other states. By 2023, a fourth “Union College” joined the herd. With an increasing reliance on search engines and AI, parents, prospective students, colleagues and even accreditation teams struggled to find the right website and correct information online. It was well past time for a change. In 2024, Union College rebranded as Union Adventist University, a name not shared with others that still holds onto the school’s history and clearly communicates its identity.

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During the 2025-2026 school year, Union Adventist University embarked on the first phase of a new strategic plan. A fresh start offers an opportunity to ask not only, “Who have we been?” but also, “Who could we become?” Through 2028, Union will confront higher education’s headwinds by refining academic programs, stabilizing finances, expanding partnerships and strengthening the student experience. Following listening sessions with faculty, staff and students, the Strategic Planning Committee identified eight pillars to strengthen, each designed to encourage shared ownership and measurable impact. Enrollment growth and student experience Union will recruit and retain more students through targeted outreach, digital innovation and stronger support. The university will also improve facilities, dining, student engagement and residence hall living-learning centers while while streamlining policies to better support students. Academic innovation and program effectiveness The university will evaluate programs based on student interest and workforce demand, create degrees and certificates with strong market potential, and expand hybrid and online learning. The plan also calls for nontraditional education partnerships and the use of artificial intelligence in the curriculum. Financial health and revenue growth Union aims to stabilize its budget, reduce dependence on tuition and expand support from individuals, corporations and foundations. Leaders also plan to develop new revenue sources, use campus assets more effectively and improve financial decisions through institutional dashboards. Facilities and campus development The university will create a phased facilities master plan reflecting institutional priorities and financial capacity. Investments will focus on student housing, critical infrastructure, accessibility, sustainability and maintenance. Faculty and staff excellence Union will strengthen professional development, pursue competitive compensation and establish mission-centered recognition practices. It also seeks to clarify shared governance and build a culture of trust, accountability and collaboration. Technology and infrastructure Planned improvements include modernizing administrative and learning systems, strengthening cybersecurity and data governance, and introducing unified digital platforms. Collaboration and partnerships The university will seek mission-aligned partnerships to strengthen institutional capacity, expand student opportunities, enhance educational quality and responsibly share resources. Spiritual mission and campus culture The university plans to integrate its spiritual mission more fully into academics, worship, service and campus life. The plan calls for expanded opportunities for belonging and spiritual growth, along with a renewed focus on serving the youth of the Mid-America Union — especially those who don’t attend Adventist academies. Concrete objectives have been identified under each pillar, and 9 teams are addressing different parts of the plan. Union has also begun raising money to implement recommended changes. During the 2025-26 fiscal year, donors contributed $1.95 million to support strategic priorities. The plan is both aspirational and operational. It provides a framework for action, accountability and measurable progress as Union turns its goals into lasting improvements. Results so far Although most of the teams remain in the research phase, several have begun acting on their recommendations. Enrollment growth and student experience At the recommendation of the Enrollment Growth Team, student Outreach Ambassadors called prospective students and their families in April. The effort used existing infrastructure to connect future students with current students, adding a personal touch to recruitment. This summer, employees are using lunch prayer gatherings hosted by the College View Church on Wednesdays to pray for each applicant and returning student by name, then sending the students postcards signed by everyone at the table. Rather than paying for food by weight, students this year will purchase meals and receive all-you-can-eat dining at Union Market for a flat rate thanks to the work of the Student Experience Team. Students dissatisfied with their first selection may choose something else at no additional cost. The meal plan remains less expensive than those at similar universities, and students no longer have to worry about running out of funds at the end of the semester. Technology and infrastructure Deep in the Don Love Building, the campus is getting a new brain. A new building management system (BMS) is being brought online to replace aging, unsupported equipment. Two buildings are connected so far, but when completed, 24 panels will link buildings across campus. The BMS allows Plant Services to track temperatures, water flow, equipment performance and energy use. Union has also begun migrating to a new student information system, the central platform used for most student information, including academic records, student accounts, financial aid and admissions. Collaboration and partnerships The Reiner Wellness Center’s locker rooms were remodeled this summer through a gift from Sandhills Global. As part of an agreement to host practices and meets at Union, a local swim team leveraged their network on Union’s behalf to secure funding for the project. The improvements will benefit the team, university students and community members. Spiritual mission and campus culture To strengthen mission-centered ministry teams, Union created an associate chaplain position. Jolina Schaber, a 2026 theology graduate, was hired to collaborate with Mid-America conferences to increase spiritual engagement and outreach specifically for the 80 percent of Adventist students who don’t attend Adventist academies. The donor-funded position is a three-year pilot program. Schaber began her work this past summer by connecting with campers and staff at summer camps and already has a slate of youth events on the schedule for the school year.

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