Photo caption: Rob Gettys, director of Athletics, Andrews University | Photo credit: Darren Heslop
In early 2018, Rob Gettys was offered the position of Athletics director at Andrews University. An alum of both Southern Adventist University (B.S. in Health, Physical Education and Recreation) and Andrews University (M.A. in Educational Leadership), Gettys was living with his wife and two sons, Trey and Caleb, in Arkansas. There he worked at Ozark Adventist Academy as the Athletics director and Physical Education and Bible teacher. His two sons were attending the academy and set to graduate in May 2019.
After receiving the offer from Andrews, Gettys and his family prayerfully considered and felt that the Lord was calling them to Berrien Springs. However, they wanted to wait until 2019 after Trey and Caleb graduated.
“When Andrews agreed to hold the position from 2018 until we could come in July of 2019, it provided further confirmation that the Lord was calling us,” Gettys explains. “Very soon after I accepted the position, my wife was contacted by the Michigan Conference about a teaching position at the Village Adventist Elementary School where she was then hired as the fifth-grade teacher.”
In his role as Athletics director, Gettys assists the coaches and directors of the Athletics program with planning and logistical support. He also provides oversight for all Andrews athletics, which include intramurals, Gymnics and the intercollegiate Cardinal sports—men’s and women’s soccer and basketball teams that are part of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA).
Gettys has enjoyed building meaningful relationships with both students and colleagues. He hopes to continue building on the rich athletic tradition at Andrews and to provide additional experiences for student athletes and recreational sports enthusiasts on campus.
“I believe that Andrews University offers collegiate athletics so that Seventh-day Adventist athletes can come and compete at a high level without ever having to sacrifice any of their beliefs,” he says. “I desire for our Cardinal Athletic Program to be a place where student athletes can compete in sport, grow in Christ and serve His children.”
For Gettys, the Bible has been a consistent source of encouragement and a guide, for not only his own life, but also his approach to athletics in general.
“I believe that the Bible is a living, breathing, love letter from God that gives us incredible insight and direction as to how we can best live our lives in a way that brings honor to Him. I have always tried to live, teach and coach in a way that encourages others to look to Him for leadership and guidance,” Gettys says. “James 1:17 tells us that God is the giver of every good and perfect gift. The talents, including athleticism, God have given to us are gifts on loan to us, and one day He is going to ask us how we used them. My desire is that student athletes at Andrews University will be able to answer Him: ‘I used it to bring you glory, Dad.’”
Hannah Gallant, University Communication student writer, Andrews University
