This is an exciting time in the history of Griggs University/Griggs International Academy!

For more than a century, Griggs (formerly known as Home Study International) has provided distance education for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. During this time, we have undergone many changes—curriculum, delivery systems and even name changes—but our mission has always remained the same. As we look to the future, we remain committed to quality Christian education that meets the needs of our global student body. To meet these needs most effectively, the ownership of Griggs will be transferred to Andrews University, the flagship institution of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This transfer in ownership becomes effective November 1, 2010.

While ownership of Griggs will transfer to Andrews University, the physical relocation of Griggs University from Maryland to Michigan will not take place until sometime in 2011. A great deal of planning and reorganizing must take place before this move can occur. Andrews and Griggs remain committed to our educational partners, to maintaining and strengthening existing contracts, and to the students enrolled in Griggs courses around the world. During this transition, the terms of all contracts will be honored, and Griggs accreditations and approvals will remain in effect. We are confident this partnership will enhance our educational offerings, enabling us to improve our courses, our teaching methods and the tools we use to deliver instruction.

Since 1874, Andrews University has held serious scholarship, quality research and a strong focus on practical Christianity in high regard. It is one of the largest Seventh-day Adventist schools in a worldwide network of elementary, secondary and higher education institutions operated by the Adventist Church. Currently, at its main campus in Berrien Springs, Michigan, Andrews is educating nearly 3,500 students representing almost 100 nations around the world. In addition, 4,500 students are pursuing Andrews University degrees through its overseas affiliate and extension programs.

In this rapidly changing world, the partnership between Andrews University and Griggs will allow us not only to expand our offerings but to place our future plans on firmer ground as we continue to meet our students’ educational needs.

Effective October 31, 2010, Dr. Donald R. Sahly, current president of Griggs, will be retiring. At that time, Dr. Alayne Thorpe, who currently serves as vice president for education at Griggs, will become interim president. She will work closely with Andrews University and the university provost, Dr. Andrea Luxton, as we continue to build for and anticipate the educational future of Griggs.

Throughout this time of transition, we remain focused on strengthening our work and continuing to grow as we work more closely with our colleagues at Andrews University.

Cordially,       

Niels-Erik Andreasen
President, Andrews University