Pacific Union Recorder

La Sierra University has two new school deans and a new vice president as the 2012-13 school year begins.

Dr. Ginger Ketting-Weller is the new dean of La Sierra University’s School of Education. She comes to the post after serving as the vice president for academic administration at Walla Walla University in College Place, Wash., since 2002. Her career has also included service as a professor of education at Pacific Union College and as a teacher in K-12 schools in Redlands, Calif.; Lincoln City, Ore.; and in the Philippines.

Dr. Ketting-Weller holds a Ph.D. in education from Claremont Graduate University. Her areas of specialty at Claremont included children’s literature, human development, and research and statistical analysis. Her Master of Arts degree from Loma Linda University, La Sierra Campus, is in educational administration and leadership. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Walla Walla College, where she also successfully completed Walla Walla’s honors program. Ketting-Weller was the La Sierra University School of Education’s Honored Alumna in 2011 and was named the Educator of the Year by Pacific Union College in 2000.

“I’m committed to living out La Sierra’s values of inquiry, learning and service,” Ketting-Weller said. “We serve an important role at La Sierra. As an M.A. student here, the things I learned gave me the basic tools which, when combined with experience, have carried me to new challenges at each step of my career.”

“Her experience and vision bring significant strength to the university as we engage the issues and opportunities that present themselves now, and as the university continues to grow and enhance its training, research and service,” said Provost Steve Pawluk.

Adeny Schmidt, Ph.D., has accepted the post of dean of La Sierra University’s College of Arts and Sciences. She brings a wealth of experience in higher education, both as a teacher and as an administrator, to her new position.

Schmidt holds a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Arts degree in psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles. She previously had earned a Master of Arts degree in psychology from Catholic University of America. Her Bachelor of Arts degree in behavioral sciences is from Andrews University.

Schmidt has served at Columbia Union College and Loma Linda University, in addition to serving La Sierra University. Since joining La Sierra’s faculty in 1990, Schmidt has served as department chair, dean, vice president for academic administration, director of service learning, and as a program evaluator for the Center for Academic Success. In 2008, she accepted the chair of the psychology department at La Sierra University, and during the 2011-2012 academic year she served as the interim dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.

During her academic career, Schmidt has received the Schrillo Award for Faculty Research, the Zapara Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, the Godfrey T. Anderson Award for Outstanding Teaching, the Academic Advisor of the Year (2004 and 2005) and the Faculty Award for Outstanding Faculty Service.

Norman Yergen has been named La Sierra University’s vice president for university advancement. Yergen has served as assistant vice president in the La Sierra’s advancement office since 2006.

Yergen brings more than 30 years of experience in leadership, strategic planning, fund raising, and team building to his new post. Prior to joining the La Sierra advancement team, Yergen served four years at vice president for advancement at Washington Adventist University. He has also served the Adventist church as a pastor in Alaska and Maryland, and as a local conference executive secretary in Alberta. He holds a bachelor’s degree in theology and history from Walla Walla College (now University) and a Master of Divinity from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews Univesity.

Yergen has been instrumental in securing a number of major gifts to La Sierra University since coming in 2006. While at Washington Adventist University he oversaw the growth of that university’s annual fund to more than $1 million annually.

“Our alumni represent La Sierra's strongest legacy,” Yergen said. “I look forward to shepherding this community, working to enrich our brand, fostering community development and capacity. La Sierra represents the best in Adventism and provides the best hope for the church tomorrow.”