In the Philippines, Adventist Institute Has a New President

By: Bruce Sumendap, Southern Asia-Pacific Division News

The Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS) Board of Trustees recently voted Obed Jiménez to serve as the eighth president of the institution. On June 5, 2018, Jiménez was recommended by the presidential search committee, succeeding Stephen Guptill, who is retiring after 13 years of service as president of the school.

Extensive Educational Experience

Before being voted as the new leader of AIIAS, Jiménez served as the president of Antillean Adventist University (AAU) in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico.

Jiménez, who was born in Brooklyn, New York, United States, served the Seventh-day Adventist Church for 30 years in Puerto Rico. While at AAU, Jiménez served in various capacities, including vice-president for student services and religious affairs, dean of students, and as a theology professor.

According to several sources, Jiménez became known for his passion for education administration and for his fervent dependence in prayer while facilitating administrative tasks in the university. It was reported that his dedication and commitment to bringing students to high-quality Christian education paved the way for opportunities to increase student enrollment both in the university and in online education. Jiménez earned his doctorate in religious education from Andrews University.

Jiménez and his wife, Marcia, have two grown children. As the new president of AIIAS, Jiménez will oversee the institution’s administrative operations.

About AIIAS

AIIAS is an international graduate-level institution of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists that offers master’s and doctoral degree programs in the areas of business, education, and theology. It also offers a Master of Public Health degree. Located in Silang, Cavite, Philippines, AIIAS has students and faculty from more than 70 countries.

Edward Rodriguez contributed to this story.