Washington Adventist University

Private university in Takoma Park, Maryland, US

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Washington Adventist University

Former names

| Washington Training College (1904–1907)
Washington Foreign Mission Seminary (1907–1914)
Washington Missionary College (1914–1961)
Columbia Union College (1961–2009)
Motto| Gateway to Service
Type| Private university
Established| 1904

Religious affiliation

| Seventh-day Adventist Church
President| Weymouth Spence
Students| 695 (Fall 2023)[1]
Undergraduates| 605 (Fall 2023)
Location|

Takoma Park, Maryland

U.S.

38°59′10″N 77°0′0″W﻿ / ﻿38.98611°N 77.00000°W﻿ / 38.98611; -77.00000
Campus| Suburban
Colors| Navy Blue & Orange

Nickname| Shock

Sporting affiliations

| NAIA – Independent
USCAA – Independent
Website| www.wau.edu
Part of a series on

Seventh-day
Adventist Church

History

* Christianity
* Protestantism
* Millerism
* Great Disappointment
* 1888 General Conference

Theology

* 28 Fundamental Beliefs
* Pillars
* Three Angels' Messages
* Sabbath
* Eschatology
* Pre-Second Advent Judgment
* Premillennialism
* Conditional immortality
* Remnant

Organization

* General Conference

Divisions

* East-Central Africa Division
* Euro-Asia Division
* Inter-American Division
* Inter-European Division
* North American Division
* Northern Asia-Pacific Division
* Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division
* South American Division
* South Pacific Division
* Southern Asia Division
* Southern Asia-Pacific Division
* Trans-European Division
* West-Central Africa Division

Periodicals

* Adventist Review
* Signs of the Times
* List of Ellen White writings

Service

* Adventist Development and Relief Agency
* Maranatha Volunteers International
* Pathfinders
* Adventurers
* Medical Cadet Corps
* Seventh-day Adventist education
* Secondary schools
* Colleges and universities
* Hospitals

Media ministries

* Hope Channel
* Loma Linda Broadcasting Network
* It Is Written
* Voice of Prophecy
* Three Angels Broadcasting Network
* LifeTalk Radio
* Radio 74 Internationale
* Amazing Facts

People

* Ellen G. White
* James S. White
* Joseph Bates
* J. N. Andrews
* Uriah Smith
* J. H. Kellogg
* James Caleb Jackson
* W. C. White
* F. D. Nichol
* M. L. Andreasen
* Le Roy Froom
* Arthur L. White
* George Vandeman
* H. M. S. Richards
* Edward Heppenstall
* Herbert E. Douglass
* Morris Venden
* Samuele Bacchiocchi
* E. E. Cleveland
* Walter Veith
* Mark Finley

Adventism

* v
* t
* e

Washington Adventist University is a private Seventh-day Adventist university in Takoma Park, Maryland.

## History

[edit]

Halcyon Hall

Washington Adventist University was established in 1904 by the Seventh-day Adventist Church as Washington Training College. In 1907, it was renamed Washington Foreign Mission Seminary, in 1914, Washington Missionary College, in 1961, Columbia Union College, and in 2009 received its current name.[3]

In 2007, WAU nearly accepted a $25 million bid for the radio station owned by WAU, WGTS 91.9FM, from American Public Media Group. WGTS listeners and supporters ran multiple campaigns against the sale for months before the board of trustees voted against selling the radio station in September 2007. WAU would have used the sale payment to pay down about $5 million in debts and to increase its endowment of $4 million. The school, which has an enrollment of about 1,000 students, also anticipated that the proceeds would pay for constructing the first new building on campus in 37 years.[4]

In 2008, President Weymouth Spence announced he would eliminate or freeze up to 22 faculty and staff positions in order to restructure the school's curriculum and relieve WAU's multimillion-dollar debt. The announcement came as part of Spence's plan to restructure WAU into a health science-focused institution. As a result, some students and faculty expressed uncertainty and displeasure to local and school-wide media regarding the change in school focus.[5]

## Academics

[edit]

Science Building

WAU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and approved by the Adventist Accrediting Association of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Professional accreditations include the Department of Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Programs of the National League for Nursing, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, and the Maryland State Department of Education.

The university offers undergraduate Associate and bachelor's degrees, as well as several certificate programs. Graduate programs include the following: MBA, Masters of Nursing with Business Leadership, Masters in Public Administration, Masters of Religion, and Masters in Psychology. Adult evening courses towards accelerated bachelor's degree programs are also available from the School of Graduate and Professional Services.

The current president of the college is Weymouth Spence, who has announced plans for structural changes to attempt to revitalize the school.[6] The changes are described in detail in a document called The Plan.[7] President Spence succeeded Randal Wisbey, who left in 2007 for La Sierra University. The resident agent is The Corporation Trust, Inc., in Baltimore, MD.

## Student life

[edit]

Morrison Hall

The student body is diverse with students attending from a reported 40 states and 47 countries.

WAU has 16 separate student clubs/organizations, including 6 honor societies. WAU is recognized with a premier music department and award-winning music ensembles. The New England Youth Ensemble (NEYE), WAU's resident orchestra, is one of North America's most traveled orchestras. Under the direction of faculty member Preston Hawes, the Carnegie Scholars Program of the NEYE affords qualified students a mentoring relationship with professional musicians of its parent organization, the New England Symphonic Ensemble, the resident orchestra of MidAmerica Productions in New York City. The Music Department features two choral groups, the Columbia Collegiate Chorale, and the elite performing vocal ensemble ProMusic. The Washington Concert Winds holds a yearly band festival where a newly commissioned work, composed specifically for the occasion is premiered each spring semester. The Music Department is housed in a newly constructed building, the Lois and Leroy Peters Music Center.

Other groups include the following:

Peters Music Center

* BSU Gospel Choir
* Mock trial team
* Newspaper/college journal
* Ethnic groups
* Political groups
* Social service groups
* Student Association

WAU also features a Sports-Acrobatics Exhibition Team. The Acro-Airs have performed across the country and for a variety of venues. The team does performances at schools and community events where they spread the message of healthy living including abstaining from drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Washington Adventist University's Acro-Airs also perform half-time shows for NBA games. They have performed at games for the Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, and others. A recent performance was at the "Discover Strathmore Open House 2009", which was sponsored in part by the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Baily Circus.

The Columbia Journal serves as the campus newspaper.

Many of the student body are members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, though students of all faiths and belief systems may enroll. Weekly church services are held at the campus church, Sligo Church.

## Athletics

[edit]

The Washington Adventist athletic teams are called the Shock. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing as an NAIA Independent within the Continental Athletic Conference since the 2014–15 academic year. They also compete as a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) since the 2013–14 academic year.[8][9] The Shock previously competed in the NCAA Division II ranks as an NCAA D-II Independent, which they withdrew from at the end of the 2012–13 school year.[10]

Washington Adventist compete in nine intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include basketball, cross country and soccer; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, softball, soccer and volleyball. The university also houses a showcase acrobatics team known as the Acro-Airs.

### Intramurals

[edit]

In addition to intercollegiate athletics, WAU offers intramural sports for men and women. Sports facilities and activities are available to students. A volleyball club, fitness club, sports fields, and weight room complement the program.

### Accomplishments

[edit]

The 2008 men's baseball team won the USCAA National Championship, the first national championship in the school's history. The "Iron Nine" of the Washington Adventist University baseball team played in three national championship games between 2006 and 2009. Along with winning the title in 2008 they have been national runners-up in 2006 and 2009.

### Withdrawals

[edit]

In recent years, WAU eliminated their men's volleyball program, along with the baseball, softball, and men's and women's track and field program.

## Study abroad opportunities

[edit]

Washington Adventist University co-sponsors Adventist Colleges Abroad,[11] a program in which qualified students study overseas while completing requirements for graduation at Washington Adventist University. This language and cultural immersion is available in eight locations: Argentina, Austria, Brazil, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Spain, WAU undergraduate students may also study business courses in England through an exclusive partnership program with Newbold College just outside London, England.

## Notable alumni

[edit]

The Gateway on the Commons

* Leonard Lee Bailey – 1964 – pediatric heart surgeon[12]
* Roscoe Bartlett – 1947 – Republican in United States House of Representatives formerly representing Maryland's 6th congressional district[13]
* Hans-Jørgen Holman, Norwegian-American musicologist and educationalist.[14]
* H. M. S. Richards – 1919 – pioneer radio broadcaster and founder of the Voice of Prophecy media ministry[15]
* Rachel Roy – 1996 – fashion designer[16]
* Thomas L. Saaty – 1948 – mathematician and inventor of the Analytic Hierarchy Process[17]
* Nicholas Sarwark – 1998 – Libertarian Party activist[18]
* Benjamin G. Wilkinson – major contributor to the King-James-Only Movement with his book Our Authorized Bible Vindicated[19]
* Ted N. C. Wilson – 1971 – Former world president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church[20]
* Charles F. McMillan – 1977 – tenth director of the Los Alamos National Laboratory[21]

## See also

[edit]

* Christianity portal
* Maryland portal

* List of Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities
* Seventh-day Adventist education

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Washington Adventist University". National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Retrieved March 29, 2025.
2. ^ NAICU – Member Directory Archived November 9, 2015, at the Wayback Machine
3. ^ ""Washington Adventist University" New Name for CUC". adventistreview.org. Archived from the original on September 17, 2010. Retrieved April 14, 2018.
4. ^ "Christian College to Keep Radio Station". Retrieved April 14, 2018 - via www.washingtonpost.com.
5. ^ "Columbia Union to cut, freeze teaching positions". www.gazette.net. Archived from the original on October 6, 2008. Retrieved April 14, 2018.
6. ^ "CUC's New President Talks About 'The Plan'". www.spectrummagazine.org. Retrieved April 14, 2018.
7. ^ "The Plan for Columbia Union College" (PDF). Columbia Union College. March 5, 2008. Retrieved May 28, 2008.
8. ^ "WAU Joins NAIA, Effective August 1". wau.edu. WAU. April 17, 2014. Retrieved January 12, 2020.
9. ^ "USCAA Members". TheUSCAA.com. United States Collegiate Athletic Association. Retrieved January 11, 2020.
10. ^ "Washington Adventist University". www.wauathletics.com. Retrieved April 14, 2018.
11. ^ Adventist Colleges Abroad Archived June 14, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
12. ^ James Coffin. "Leonard Bailey; Exclusive Interview Leonard Bailey Tells His Story". Adventist Review.
13. ^ "Maryland and the US Government, House of Representatives". Maryland Government. Retrieved October 10, 2010.
14. ^ International Adventist Musicians Association Biography
15. ^ "Life Sketch of HMS Richards". Voice of Prophecy. Retrieved October 10, 2010.
16. ^ "About Rachel Roy". Rachel Roy. Archived from the original on December 26, 2018. Retrieved December 26, 2018.
17. ^ "Perseverance, creativity keys to success, Tyler lecturer says". University of Delaware. Retrieved October 10, 2010.
18. ^ LIBERTARIAN PARTY CHAIR AND WAU GRAD TALKS ABOUT FREEDOM
19. ^ Wilkinson, Benjamin George (2014). Our Authorized Bible Vindicated. TEACH Services, Inc. ISBN 9781479604326.
20. ^ Oliver, Ansel; Kellner, Mark (June 24, 2010). "Wilson elected president of Seventh-day Adventist world church". Adventist News Network. Seventh-day Adventist Church. Archived from the original on December 26, 2018. Retrieved December 26, 2018.
21. ^ K. Roark (May 26, 2011). "New director named at Los Alamos Lab". UC Newsroom. Archived from the original on September 16, 2011. Retrieved October 3, 2011.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Washington Adventist University.

* Official website
* Official athletics website

* v
* t
* e

Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities

Africa

| Kenya|

* Adventist University of Africa
* University of Eastern Africa

|

Nigeria|

* Babcock University

Zambia|

* Rusangu University

Rwanda|

* Adventist University of Central Africa

South Africa|

* Helderberg College of Higher Education

Asia

| Hong Kong|

* Hong Kong Adventist College

|

India|

* Spicer Adventist University
* Northeast Adventist College
* Roorkee Adventist College
* Helen Lowry College of Arts & Commerce

Indonesia|

* Universitas Advent Indonesia
* Universitas Klabat

Japan|

* Saniku Gakuin College

Malaysia|

* Adventist College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Philippines|

* Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies
* Adventist University of the Philippines
* Central Philippine Adventist College
* Manila Adventist College
* Adventist Medical Center College-Iligan
* Mountain View College
* South Philippine Adventist College

South Korea|

* Sahmyook University

Thailand|

* Asia-Pacific International University

Europe

| Austria|

* Bogenhofen Seminary

|

France|

* Salève

Germany|

* Friedensau Adventist University

Russia|

* Zaoksky Adventist University

United Kingdom|

* Newbold College

Latin America and Caribbean

| Argentina|

* Universidad Adventista del Plata

|

Bolivia|

* Universidad Adventista de Bolivia

Dominican Republic|

* Universidad Adventista Dominicana

Haiti|

* Université Adventiste d'Haïti

Jamaica|

* Hyacinth Chen Nursing School
* Northern Caribbean University

Mexico|

* Universidad de Montemorelos
* Universidad de Navojoa
* Universidad Linda Vista

Puerto Rico|

* Universidad Adventista de las Antillas

Trinidad and Tobago|

* University of the Southern Caribbean

United States and Canada

| Canada|

* Burman University

|

United States|

* AdventHealth University
* Andrews University
* Atlantic Union College
* Griggs University
* Hartland Institute
* Kettering College
* La Sierra University
* Loma Linda University
* Oakwood University
* Ouachita Hills College
* Pacific Union College
* Southern Adventist University
* Southwestern Adventist University
* Union Adventist University
* Walla Walla University
* Washington Adventist University
* Weimar University

Oceania

| Australia|

* Avondale University
* Mamarapha College

|

Fiji|

* Fulton Adventist University College

Papua New Guinea|

* Pacific Adventist University
* Sonoma Adventist College

* v
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* e

Seventh-day Adventist higher education in the United States and Canada

Doctorate-granting universities|

* Andrews University
* La Sierra University

Special focus institutions|

| Medical schools|

* Loma Linda University

|

Other health professions|

* AdventHealth University
* Kettering College

Master's universities|

* Southern Adventist University
* Walla Walla University
* Washington Adventist University

Baccalaureate colleges|

* Atlantic Union College (historical)
* Burman University (Canada)
* Oakwood University
* Pacific Union College
* Southwestern Adventist University
* Union Adventist University
* Weimar University

Unclassified|

* Hartland Institute
* Ouachita Hills College

* Seventh-day Adventist education
* Adventist Accrediting Association
* List of Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities

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Colleges and universities in Maryland

Public
institutions|

| Univ. System of MD|

* Bowie State University
* Coppin State University
* Frostburg State University
* Salisbury University
* Towson University
* University of Baltimore
* University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute
* University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
* University of Maryland Eastern Shore
* University of Maryland Global Campus
* University of Maryland, Baltimore
* Dental
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* Law
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* Nursing
* Pharmacy
* Public Health
* Social Work
* University of Maryland, Baltimore County
* University of Maryland, College Park
* University System of Maryland at Hagerstown
* Virginia–Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine

|

* Morgan State University
* National Intelligence University
* St. Mary's College of Maryland
* Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
* United States Naval Academy

Private
institutions|

* Capitol Technology University
* Goucher College
* Hood College
* Johns Hopkins University
* Loyola University Maryland
* Maryland Bible College & Seminary
* Maryland Institute College of Art
* McDaniel College
* Mount St. Mary's University
* Yeshivas Ner Yisroel
* Notre Dame of Maryland University
* St. John's College
* St. Mary's Seminary and University
* Stevenson University
* TESST College of Technology
* Washington Adventist University
* Washington College

Community
colleges|

* Allegany College of Maryland
* Anne Arundel Community College
* Baltimore City Community College
* College of Southern Maryland
* Community College of Baltimore County
* Carroll Community College
* Cecil College
* Chesapeake College
* Frederick Community College
* Garrett College
* Hagerstown Community College
* Harford Community College
* Howard Community College
* Montgomery College
* Prince George's Community College
* Wor–Wic Community College

Defunct
institutions|

* Asbury College
* Baltimore International College
* Baltimore College
* Baltimore Hebrew University
* Calvert College
* Chevy Chase Junior College
* Cokesbury College
* Eastern Christian College
* Hagerstown Business College
* Kee Mar College
* Maryland Military and Naval Academy
* Mount Hope College
* Mount Saint Agnes College
* National Labor College
* National Park Seminary
* New Windsor College
* Newton University
* St. Charles College
* Saint Joseph College
* Sojourner–Douglass College
* Washington Medical College
* Woodstock College

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Montgomery County, Maryland

* Washington metropolitan area

Administration|

* Montgomery County Police Department
* Montgomery County Public Schools
* Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service
* Montgomery County Sheriff's Office

Landmarks|

* National Institutes of Health
* Shady Grove Adventist Hospital
* Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
* White's Ferry

Culture|

* BlackRock Center for the Arts
* Flag of Montgomery County
* Glenstone
* National Museum of Health and Medicine
* Strathmore

Sports|

* Bethesda Big Train
* Gaithersburg Giants
* Rockville Express
* Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts
* Maryland SoccerPlex

Education|

| Colleges|

* Ana G. Méndez University Capital Area Campus
* Montgomery College
* Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
* Universities at Shady Grove
* Washington Adventist University

|

High schools|

* Bethesda-Chevy Chase
* Blair
* Blake
* Churchill
* Clarksburg
* Damascus
* Edison
* Einstein
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* Kennedy
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Private|

* Barrie School
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* Good Counsel
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* The Heights
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* Montrose Christian
* St. Andrew's
* Stone Ridge

Transportation|

| Air|

* Montgomery County Airpark

|

Public transportation|

* Metrobus
* Metrorail
* RideOn

Highways|

* Capital Beltway
* Inter-county Connector
* Interstate 270
* Interstate 370

Roads|

* Clopper Road
* Connecticut Avenue
* East-West Highway
* Georgia Avenue
* Germantown Road
* Great Seneca Highway
* New Hampshire Avenue
* Norbeck Road
* Old Georgetown Road
* Quince Orchard Road
* River Road
* Rockville Pike
* Sandy Spring Road
* University Boulevard
* Veirs Mill Road

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NAIA Independents

Continental Athletic Conference

All-sports|

* Alice Lloyd Eagles
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* Victoria Vikes
* Washington Adventist Shock

Authority control databases

International|

* ISNI
* VIAF

National|

* United States

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