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Adventist Education
ABOUT US
The Southwest Region Conference (SWRC) and the Bainum Family Foundation are excited to announce a collaborative effort to develop a new model school system aimed at strengthening Adventist education across the Southwest Region. This initiative builds on a shared commitment to improving educational quality, enhancing operational sustainability, and expanding opportunities for students and educators.
MODEL SYSTEM TEAM
David Turner
Director of Impact
Dr. Lawanna McCoy
Director of Special Projects
Enid Mendez
Director of Finance
Isaac Soli
Engagement & Operations Coordinator, SWRC
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Model System Board of Directors is composed of experienced leaders in education, ministry, philanthropy, and corporate governance. Together, they provide strategic guidance, strengthen our mission, and support the ongoing growth of Adventist education across the Southwest Region.
Arelis E. Diaz
Director of Racial Equity / Community Engagement & Board Relations, W.K. Kellogg Foundation
A national philanthropic leader advancing racial equity, community engagement, and systemic change. She oversees WKKF board relations and multiple racial healing and community initiatives.
Dr. Edwin I. Hernández
President, Antillean Adventist University
A scholar, university president, and ordained minister with decades of leadership experience in higher education, philanthropy, and sociological research. His work spans Andrews University, Notre Dame, AdventHealth University, and major philanthropic foundations.
Errol S. Phipps
Vice President & Associate General Counsel, AT&T
A senior legal executive overseeing major global operations at AT&T. With 30+ years in corporate law, he has guided legal strategy across communications, global supply chain, and network operations.
Dr. Carlton P. Byrd
President, Southwest Region Conference of SDA
A nationally recognized pastor and administrator who has baptized more than 23,000 individuals. Former Speaker/Director of Breath of Life and longtime leader across the Southern U.S.
Dennis L. Plubell
Retired Vice President for Education, NAD & NPUC
With 46+ years in Adventist education, he is known for guiding accreditation standards, leadership development, and major initiatives such as Journey to Excellence.
About
PARTNERING FOR
A SHARED VISION
The partnership brings together the SWRC’s visionary leadership and spirit of innovation and the Bainum Family Foundation’s longstanding commitment to Adventist education. Under the terms of this partnership, the new model school system will operate with an independent Board of Directors tasked with overseeing governance, centralizing operational functions, and ensuring long term educational sustainability.
Together, SWRC leadership and the Bainum Family Foundation will lead the initial implementation phase with plans to transition management to the newly established governance body in the coming years.
Reach Your Business Goals
DRIVING EXCELLENCE THROUGH EXPERTISE
The new system is designed to address longstanding challenges that impact Adventist schools, including financial constraints, administrative burdens, and educator recruitment and retention. By restructuring the way schools are managed, this initiative aims to:
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Prioritize the support, well being, and development of educators to position the SWRC as an employer of choice.
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Centralize operations to drive efficiency and sustainability.
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Build a robust pipeline of visionary school leaders.
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Create environments that nurture student agency and resilience.
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Establish strong community partnerships to amplify local impact.
This collaboration represents a bold step forward in ensuring the long-term success of Adventist education. By bringing together the expertise of the Southwest Region Conference and the Bainum Family Foundation, this initiative lays the groundwork for a stronger, more sustainable, and more impactful school system.
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