Founded in Faith, Forward in Mission

Founded in 1874 as Battle Creek College, Andrews University was the first Seventh-day Adventist institution of higher learning. In 2024, the Andrews family celebrated the University’s 150th anniversary under the theme “Founded in Faith. Forward in Mission.” This theme reflects not only our heritage, but the direction Andrews has taken over the past four years — moving forward in mission with purpose, faith and resolve. 

As a premier Seventh-day Adventist institution, Andrews University places spiritual growth at the center of its mission. Campus data indicates sustained and growing spiritual engagement among students. Participation in discipleship initiatives through the Discipleship Center and the IGNITE Summer Discipleship Program has strengthened small-group ministry across campus. The percentage of students reporting growth in their spiritual lives has increased year on year, exceeding benchmarks among peer Adventist institutions. Students also report strong growth in their commitment to the beliefs and values of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 

Student and faculty engagement in evangelism continues to bear fruit locally and globally. In 2024, undergraduate students partnered with churches in Grand Rapids, Michigan, through the Field School of Evangelism, engaging in preaching, visitation and Bible studies. That same year, Andrews faculty and students participated in the “PNG for Christ” campaign, resulting in 1,800 baptisms. In 2025, the “Malawi for Christ” campaign saw more than 3,000 baptisms in a single day — reflecting a powerful integration of faith, learning and service. 

Mission expression also extends through professional service and community engagement. Physical therapy students served at a medical clinic in El Salvador, while speech-language pathology students provided services to more than 200 nonverbal children in Jamaica. The School of Social Work’s International Center for Trauma Education & Care has trained over 15,000 individuals in the past five years, partnering with multiple divisions and ministries of the world church and serving communities across Africa, Asia and the United States. 

Andrews continues to support the global Adventist Church through scholarship and leadership development. In 2024, Andrews University Press distributed 28,000 copies of the Andrews Bible Commentary to 10 world divisions. In 2025, 32,000 copies of the Andrews Study Bible were distributed to eight divisions. Additionally, the Global Leadership Institute’s LeadLab program has now been completed across all 13 world divisions. 

Andrews University’s academic reputation continues to strengthen. Andrews remains the only Adventist institution classified as a national university by U.S. News & World Report, placing it among 436 national universities nationwide. From 2023 to 2025, Andrews rose 78 positions in the rankings and is ranked higher for social mobility than nearly all Michigan national universities. 

The University holds Minority Serving Institution status and is Michigan’s first Hispanic-Serving Institution. Niche rankings place Andrews in the top 20% of private universities nationally, the top 10% of Christian colleges and universities, and among the most diverse institutions in the country. 

Research and creative scholarship remain a growing strength. Undergraduate participation in faculty-led research increased from 33% in 2014–2015 to 43% in 2024–2025, a standout achievement.  

Graduate outcomes also remain strong, with 92% of Andrews graduates in a recent survey employed in their field or accepted into graduate school within one year of graduation. 

Generous donor support has enabled strategic capital improvements across campus. Renovations to Lamson Hall, in partnership with Maranatha Volunteers International, have fully remodeled more than half of the West Wing rooms. The Health Professions Simulation Center now features advanced AI-equipped simulation technology, including industry-leading childbirth simulation. Renovations to Timber Ridge Hall added more than 80 one-bedroom apartments for single graduate students, addressing a critical housing need. 

Enrollment has stabilized over the past three years despite significant external pressures, including immigration challenges affecting international students. Growth in first-time-in-any-college students has helped offset these pressures, and residence hall occupancy is the highest it has been in six years. 

Student success metrics continue to outperform. The undergraduate six-year graduation rate has increased by more than 10% over the past four years and remains significantly higher than peer averages, with particularly strong outcomes among minority students. 

The launch of Andrews University Global Campus in 2024 represents a strategic expansion serving adult learners and global students. With more than 1,150 degree-seeking students, Global Campus integrates distance, adult and continuing education programs into a cohesive approach positioned for long-term growth. 

As Andrews University reflects on both recent progress and its 150-year legacy, we recognize that all growth and success ultimately reflect God’s leading, carried forward through the faithful service of students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters. 

Founded in faith and moving forward in mission, Andrews University remains committed to fulfilling God’s purpose with excellence, creativity and faithfulness — confident that the same God who has guided this institution for 150 years will continue to lead in the years ahead. 

John Wesley Taylor V is president of Andrews University.