In 2026, Dr. Nedelea was appointed as the 27th President of Southwestern Adventist University. He earned a Master of Science in Chaplaincy from Loma Linda University, a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management at La Sierra University, and earned a Ph.D. in Global Leadership and Change from Pepperdine University. Before joining Southwestern, Dr. Nedelea has held increasingly significant strategic and executive leadership roles within healthcare systems, most recently serving as System Vice President of Mission & Ministry at Mercy Health System. As president, he is dedicated to strengthening the university’s mission, advancing academic excellence, fostering innovation, and preparing students for lives of service, leadership, and meaningful impact.

Chad Giles joined Southwestern Adventist University in May 2025. He holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Finance from Columbia Union College (now Washington Adventist University), earned in 1997. He later completed a Master of Science in Management with an emphasis in Accounting from the University of Maryland University College, he is also a Certified Public Accountant, licensed in both Texas and Maryland.
 
Prior to joining Southwestern, he served as a Director in the Nonprofit Assurance Department at CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA). He also spent over 20 years in leadership roles at the General Conference Auditing Service, where he provided financial oversight and strategic guidance across North America.
 
Giles is married to Danette, and together they have two sons. As a family, they enjoy traveling and exploring the world.

Dr. William Smith II joined Southwestern Adventist University in 2025 as Vice President for Academic Administration. Prior to coming to Southwestern Adventist University, Dr. Smith served as Senior Director of Global Engagement at the Texas International Education Consortium and held leadership positions at the University of Texas at San Antonio, Purdue University and University of Georgia. He earned a Ph.D. in Education with a focus in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University, an M.A. in Policy History from Bowling Green State University, and a B.A. in History from Oakwood University. Dr. Smith is passionate about student success, academic innovation, and building collaborative educational environments.

Ms. Rahneeka Hazelton came to Southwestern Adventist University as Director of Admissions in 2012. In June 2020, Ms. Hazelton was appointed Assistant Vice President of Enrollment and assumed the position of Vice President of Enrollment in September of the same year. Prior to coming to Southwestern Adventist University, she served as the Program Coordinator for the School of Graduate and Professional Studies at Washington Adventist University for six years.  She has a B.S. in Social Work and an M.A. in Public Administration from Washington Adventist University.  She enjoys working with young adults and helping them succeed to their fullest potential.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and exploring the great state of Texas. 

Mr. James The is currently the Vice President for Student Services.  He began his service at Southwestern Adventist University during the summer of 2001 as Dean of Men, where he served for 11 years. His prior employment includes Campus Chaplain and Religion Teacher at Highland View Academy, Principal of Modesto Adventist Academy, and principal and teacher at Foothill Elementary School. Dean The has an M.Ed. in Educational Administration with an Emphasis in Educational Leadership from Southwestern Adventist University, and a B.S. in Physical Education (1983) from Pacific Union College. During his 38 years of experience in the field of education, Dean The has had a consistent goal of working to create a positive learning environment, a keen sense of school community, and a passion for service with students.  His administrative roles, as well as his teaching and coaching experiences, residence hall leadership, and involvement in student life, have prepared him to deal with the varied aspects of leading the department of Student Services.  He and his wife, Cheryl, are the parents of two children and the proud grandparents of three grandchildren.