The Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists has named Melissa Morris as its new Associate Director of Education. She will begin serving in this role on June 1, 2026, supporting schools, leaders, and teachers across the union territory.
Morris currently serves as Executive Secretary of the Iowa-Missouri Conference, where she has worked closely with conference leadership, schools, and churches to support the mission of Adventist education and ministry. She previously served as Education Superintendent for the Iowa-Missouri Conference and as a teaching principal, providing leadership in school growth, teacher development, and student support.
After prayerful consideration, Morris accepted the call to serve at the union level.
“Adventist education has long been close to my heart,” Morris said. “I look forward to working with conference leaders and educators across Mid-America to strengthen our schools as they prepare students for academic excellence, nurture their relationship with Christ, and equip them for lives of service and purpose.”
Carisa Carr, Director of Education for the Mid-America Union, welcomed Morris to the team.
“We are so excited to have Melissa join our Office of Education as Associate Director. Her passion for and deep love of Adventist education shine through in her leadership, her commitment to excellence, and her heart for students and teachers. We look forward to the experience, vision, and servant leadership she will bring as we continue growing in Christ through a journey of learning and excellence together.”
Mid-America Union President Gary Thurber also affirmed her appointment.
“It is especially meaningful when the most qualified person for the position comes from within our own territory. Melissa brings an excellent skill set and a deep understanding of Mid-America and the people who serve here. We are grateful to have her as part of our educational leadership team.”
Morris holds a Bachelor of Elementary Education degree and is completing a Master of Administration from La Sierra University. She and her husband have two children who attend Union Adventist University. In her new role, she will work closely with conference leaders, superintendents, and educators as the Mid-America Union Conference continues its mission of strengthening local conferences and institutions and its vision of providing a steady flow of leadership, communication, mentoring, and training.
