Andrews University Names New Seminary Associate Dean

Wagner Kuhn has accepted the administrative position of associate dean at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, United States.

Originally from Brazil, Kuhn has extensive cross-cultural experience. He has worked on three continents in various capacities within the Adventist Church, including country director for the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Azerbaijan. 

Kuhn began his pastoral career in Brazil, working for the publishing department of the Rio Grande do Sul Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and he later served as professor of mission and theology for the Adventist Theological Seminary in São Paulo. Later he served as a pastor in Framingham, Massachusetts, United States.

After receiving his PhD in intercultural studies (missiology and international development) from the School of Intercultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary, Kuhn began serving at Andrews University in 2005 as associate director of the Institute of World Mission and associate professor in the Department of World Mission. 

In June 2011, he became a fulltime faculty member as professor of mission and intercultural studies while also serving as director of the Doctor of Missiology program from 2014 to 2016. Currently, he is chair of the Department of World Mission and director of the post-doctoral program.

“I am very pleased that Dr. Kuhn accepted this responsibility,” Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary dean Jiří Moskala said. “God prepared him well for this important and challenging ministry, and I am sure He will guide him to give prosperity and success.” Moskala added, “I rejoice over the fact that we will work closely together to facilitate the fulfillment of the Seminary’s mission to be the light and the theological resource for our worldwide Adventist Church and beyond.”

Andrews University president Andrea Luxton agreed.

“Dr. Kuhn brings to this position a wealth of international experience in both administration and teaching; this will be an invaluable asset to this critical role in the Seminary,” she said.

Kuhn has published Christian Relief and Development: Biblical, Historical, and Contemporary Perspectives of the Holistic Gospel (Andrews University, 2005) and edited Adventist Mission: Stories of Adventist Missionaries on the Frontlines (Institute of World Mission, 2005), among other scholarly works.

He is married to Gisele Kuhn, and they have two adult daughters, Gielle and Gillian.

The original version of this story was posted on the Andrews University news site.