Board of Trustees

La Sierra University trustees select interim university president

The La Sierra University Board of Trustees on Wednesday, Oct. 18 selected former higher education administrator and retired accrediting body leader Richard Osborn to serve as the university’s interim president while the board initiates a comprehensive search for a long-term president.

Osborn, who lives in the Inland Empire region, will officially begin his presidential duties on Monday, Oct. 23. He comes to the post following the Sept. 17 resignation of Joy Fehr from La Sierra’s presidency. La Sierra University Provost April Summitt has functioned as acting president since that time.

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2022-2024 Proposed Meeting and Retreat Schedule

  • September 9-11, 2022 - Board Retreat - On Campus
  • November 9, 2022 - **Board Committees - AD 223
  • November 10, 2022 - Board Meeting - AD 223
  • February 8, 2023 - **Board Committees - AD 223
  • February 9, 2023 - Board Meeting - AD 223
  • May 10, 2023 - **Board Committees - AD 223
  • May 11, 2023 - Board Meeting - AD 223
  • September 15, 2023 - Board Retreat - On Campus
  • November 8, 2023 - **Board Committees - AD 223
  • November 9, 2023 - Board Meeting - AD 223
  • February 7, 2024 - **Board Committees - AD 223
  • February 8, 2024 - Board Meeting - AD 223
  • May 8, 2024 - **Board Committees - AD 223
  • May 9, 2024 - Board Meeting - AD 223

Standing Committee Meeting Schedule

Committees will meet each Wednesday prior to each meeting of the board

  • 8:00am - Strategy Committee
  • 10:00am - Finance Committee
  • 1:00pm - Educational Quality Committee
  • 3:00pm - Trusteeship Committee 

The Board of Trustees is responsible for

  • Ensuring that the mission of Seventh-day Adventist higher education is fulfilled.
  • Appointing the president and evaluating his/her performance with reference to the policies and priorities set by the trustees.
  • Adopting policies and priorities for the advancement of the university.
  • Providing the financial and other resources necessary to achieve trustee policies, including participation in fundraising.
  • Defending the university from influences which interfere with the achievement of its mission.
  • Safeguarding the principles of moral and academic freedom for the community of scholars.
  • Establishing sound financial policies, which includes preservation of capital assets as well as stewardship of current funds.
  • Serving as advocates for the entire university without losing sight of special school-based opportunities.
  • Exercising final authority in a manner to ensure the future of the university.

Board Listing

Officers

  • Chair: Bradford Newton, President, Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
  • Vice Chair: John Brunt, Pastor, Professor, Walla Walla University, La Sierra University (retired)
  • Secretary: Richard Osborn, Interim President, La Sierra University

Members At Large

  • Leon Brown, Vice President
    Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
  • Nedd Brown, Dean
    Graduate Education, University of South Dakota
  • Kent Hansen, Corporate Legal Counsel
    Loma Linda University
  • Kim Godfrey, Dental Practice Manager
    M. Franklin Godfrey III, DDS
  • Hilma Griffin-Watson, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Services and Retention
    Oakwood University
  • Carmen Ibanez, Executive Director/Youth Pastor
    Pine Springs Ranch/Southeastern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
  • Meredith Jobe, Corporate General Counsel
    Adventist Health
  • Ernie Hwang
    Banker, retired
  • Ed Keyes, President
    Arizona Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
  • Stephen Mayer, Treasurer
    Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
  • Jonathan Park, President
    Southeastern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
  • Margie Salcedo-Rice, President
    Salcedo-Rice Productions, Concertmistress and Assistant Conductor, Ukiah Symphony Orchestra
  • Sandy Roberts, Executive Secretary
    Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
  • Velino Salazar, President
    Southern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
  • Adrian Serna, Chief Financial Officer
    Physician Services, Adventist Health
  • Alina Tolan
    Clinical Pharmacist (retired)
  • Berit von Pohle, Director of Education
    Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
  • Lisa Walcker, Regional Manager
    Department of Public Social Services, Riverside County
  • Marilene Wang, Professor of Surgery and Director
    Nasal and Sinus Disease Center, UCLA School of Medicine
  • Don Williams
    Academic Administrator, retired