Passionate, dedicated, caring—these are three words often used to describe Bill Richardson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

An Andrews veteran who holds four degrees from Andrews—a bachelor’s in theology, a master’s in Greek, a master’s of divinity, and a doctorate in biblical studies—Richardson is an expert on life on both sides of the classroom.

Richardson has taken the wealth of knowledge he gained as a student and applied it to his work in the classroom. He taught Bible at the academy level at South Lancaster Academy in Mass. before taking positions in the religion departments at both Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas, and Pacific Union College in Angwin, Calif. By the time Richardson joined the Andrews University faculty in 1977, his reputation as one of the denomination’s top Greek professors preceded him.

Ten years after becoming a religion department faculty member at Andrews, he became chair of the department in 1987. Religion department colleagues sorely missed Richardson’s presence when his passion for excellence in education led him to deanship of the College of Arts and Sciences in Sept. 1998. During his tenure as dean, he played a key role in helping Andrews transition from the quarter to semester system.

For his dedication in the classroom and to the university, Richardson received the Daniel A. Augsburger Excellence in Teaching Award in 1992 and a 2006 Andrews University Excellence in Service Award. For his lifetime commitment to education, he was honored with the John Nevins Andrews Medallion at the May 2006 Andrews University undergraduate commencement service.

In his spare time, Richardson enjoys traveling, sports like swimming and racquetball, and writing. He has authored many articles and three books—Paul Among Friends and Enemies, Speaking Tongues, and most recently, Famous Fugitives.

Richardson is married to his childhood sweetheart, Sandra. Together they have three adult children—Cindy Schmidt, Cheri Leffler, and Stephen Richardson—and seven grandchildren.

Beverly Stout, University Relations media relations coordinator