The Inauguration

On a bright and sunny Tuesday, John Wesley Taylor V was inaugurated as the seventh president of Andrews University, marking the 25th presidency since Battle Creek College. The inauguration took place at the Pioneer Memorial Church on October 24, 2023. His official term began on July 1, succeeding Andrea Luxton, who retired after a distinguished seven-year tenure as president of Andrews University.

The two-hour ceremony was a harmonious blend of beauty and splendor. It commenced with a magnificent organ performance, followed by the elegant procession of faculty members in academic regalia. Musical interludes enriched the event, with the entire audience joining in to sing the hymn, “Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven.” Later in the program, the Andrews University Singers, conducted by Stephen Zork, delivered a moving rendition of “O Be Joyful.”

Leaders from around the world seized the opportunity to celebrate the inauguration of President Taylor. Ginger Ketting-Weller, President of Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS), commended Taylor as a "talented, accommodating, understanding, thoughtful, and humble" leader during his time at AIIAS. Ted Wilson, the President of the General Conference, took the occasion to encourage President Taylor, saying "May God bless you as you launch, officially, at this inauguration into leading this Andrews University and educating young people for service, and for proclaiming the last final message of hope to the world.”

The inaugural address was delivered by Dwight K. Nelson, who served as the pastor of Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University for forty years. In his address, Nelson posed questions to the entire audience: “Why do we have to be like everybody else? Why do we want to be like everybody else?” Nelson quoted George Knight, an Adventist church historian, reminding attendees of the unique purpose for which Andrews University was founded. “God has declared His purpose to have one college in the land, where the Bible shall have its proper place in the education of the young.”

Near the end of his address, Nelson expressed his concerns to President Taylor. “I fear there are forces in the culture that will suddenly move this school off her God given Mission, off the ancient path, unto a road popular, perhaps, but a road to a wrong direction.” He emphasized, “We [Andrews University] are not just another college or university. We are a church birthed institution… We cannot go the way of the others.” Nelson concluded by offering words of encouragement to President Taylor. “There will be times when the University president must wave off the desire to be widely popular in exchange for the responsibility to be narrowly faithful. That’s your calling… As you follow the crucified one, we [will] follow you.”

The highlight of the ceremony occurred following the inauguration address, as President Emerita Andrea Luxton passed the ceremonial mace to the new president. Taylor marked his inauguration with a response to Nelson, emphasizing the importance of recalling the founding mission of the Adventist institution. “It is essential for us to look back and see how God’s leadership and vision guided the first days of this school.” Taylor continues, “I want to pledge to you that I am fully committed to joining with you as Andrews University, both here on this campus, and our Andrews University family around the world, continues in its journey to seek first, God’s kingdom.”

President Taylor ended with a powerful message for Andrews University. “I’m excited as we continue to seek to fulfill His purpose, and to do that with creativity, intelligence, and commitment. Our core commitment is reflected in our mission statement… as we seek knowledge from God, as we affirm faith in God, and as we change the world for God. May God bless Andrews University, and each one.”