Southwestern Adventist University

Dr. Daniel Petr, biology professor and medical technology advisor at Southwestern Adventist University, will be leaving his position on campus after 23 years of service. He has spent more consecutive years in the department than any of the University’s current biology faculty. “Dr. Petr is more than just a teacher; he’s a friend, counselor and a father,” said Carolina Barbosa, senior biology major, “he cares.” Barbosa is a former student, lab instructor and grader for Petr.

Petr is currently finishing the Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program at the University of North Texas, which he began two years ago. Petr said he has chosen to “change from an academic setting to a clinical setting.” According to Dr. Thomas Bunch, vice president for academic administration, Petr submitted his resignation this past semester.

During the progress of a single school year, Petr taught courses in biology, microbiology, ornithology, entomology, embryology and field natural history. “He’s a solid teacher and has been a solid faculty member,” Dr. Bunch said.

According to Bunch, SWAU has not found a replacement for Petr yet, but the administration may have the candidates narrowed down to a woman who holds a PhD in a biological field.

Bunch said Southwestern’s goal is to have stronger pre-medicine and pre-dental programs. He refers to enhancing the family atmosphere where students get support and encouragement from faculty and staff. He points out that most students in the pre-medicine or pre-dental programs at SWAU are first-generation medical students. They do not usually have the support that students with family members in the medical field have, he added. Bunch hopes to have more dentists, doctors, and pre-medicine students enroll, and then send more SWAU students to onward to Loma Linda. Several medical school recruiters (most from LLU) already visited SWAU last semester.

Last semester, Petr invited five SWAU students to visit his new campus, the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Forth Worth. There the group counseled with an academic advisor and spoke with Petr about the PA school lifestyle while touring the campus.

Petr hopes that SWAU will grow and continue technology improvements to provide more opportunities for students. Petr concluded, “I have greatly enjoyed teaching here and it has been a joy to get to know students over the years and advise them in biology, my great love.”