In an event that, according to its audience, captivated them with profound insights and wisdom, Ella Smith Simmons, a retired general vice president of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, delivered the Inaugural Public Lecture at the Adventist University of Africa (AUA). The lecture was held at the school’s main campus in Nairobi, Kenya, on April 24.

Simmons, known for her contributions to the global Seventh-day Adventist community, took center stage as she shared her thoughts on the theme, “What Difference Does It Make? Leading for Positive Societal Transformation.”

She reminded her audience of the urgent need for unique leadership in Africa, which is underscored by a myriad challenges, from climate change and food insecurity to health care accessibility and peacekeeping efforts. Simmons said that leadership for positive change in society requires individuals who are committed to social transformation, well educated, competent, ethical, and having spiritual intelligence. She made a rallying call for social-change leadership that rests on the principles of social responsibility, collaboration, inclusivity, and values-driven decision making, aiming to create a better world for all.

Simmons challenged the AUA audience to bring about positive sustainable change in the societies it influences through leadership development, emphasizing relevance and excellence in research, teaching, and service. According to her, the university must ensure “that its teaching, research, and social action are informed by realistic views of future challenges and breakthroughs, balancing the need for continued social change with cautious optimism.” She added, “By embracing the integration of faith and education, AUA is called to provide leadership for service and address public needs while upholding high standards for ethical direction and social contributions.”

Her words resonated with the audience, inspiring all present to reflect on the importance of nurturing and developing future leaders who will carry forward the mission and values of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, those attending the public lecture said.

Several world and regional church leaders attended the lecture, including GC vice president and AUA council chair Geoffrey Mbwana, AUA chancellor Harrington Akombwa, GC education director Lisa Beardsley-Hardy, GC associate treasurer George Egwakhe, and East Central-Africa Division president Blasious Ruguri. Also present were university council members and a representative from the Commission of University Education-Kenya, as well as faculty, staff, and students.

Mbwana commended Simmons for her dedication to education and leadership development within the Adventist community. AUA leaders expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to host such a distinguished speaker and highlighted the school’s commitment to foster excellence in education and research.

Several members of the AUA faculty and staff said after the event that they were deeply inspired by Simmons’ words. They said they admired her vision and leadership in advancing education and mission-driven work within the Adventist Church.

Simmons was the first woman elected as a general vice president of the GC and completed three full terms and a two-year extension before retiring in 2022. As part of her service, she provided leadership in education, administrative consultation, coaching and evaluation, and spiritual support to Adventist church leaders around the world.

She advised three GC departments, chaired the Seventh-day Adventist International Board of Education (IBE), the Board of Trustees of the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS), and the AUA University Council (Board). In addition, she served as vice chair of the church’s International Board of Ministerial and Theological Education (IBMTE), the Adventist Accrediting Association (AAA), and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) board, and was a member on numerous administrative and ministry-based committees.

She is married to Nord Simmons, a retired high school teacher and electrical contracting business owner. They have two sons who are educators, two daughters-in-law, a granddaughter, two grandsons, and two great-grandchildren.

As the event came to a close, attendees said they left with a renewed sense of purpose and a shared commitment to positive societal transformation in their places of influence. “[This] inaugural public lecture will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on all those who were fortunate enough to be present,” they said.

AUA leaders shared that the public lecture will be held annually “to serve as a beacon of inspiration for the future of governance and leadership within the Seventh-day Adventist community and the world.”