Former Newbold College of Higher Education president John D. Baildam passed to his rest on August 22, church leaders of the Trans-European Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church reported. He was 73.

Appointed as the college principal in May 2014, Baildam served in that position for eight years but served the school for more than 40 years in several teaching, leadership, and administrative roles. Among others, he was director of the School of English, director of Academic Affairs, and the school vice president. He retired at the end of May 2022.

While committed to securing Newbold’s reputation for academic quality and rigor, his wish for every student, staff member, and nearby church member was the “never-to-be-forgotten” campus experience, church leaders said.

Before his appointment at Newbold, Baildam began denominational work for the Adventist Church in 1975 at Stanborough School in teaching and pastoral roles. From there he joined Newbold College in 1982.

He will best be remembered for his collegial, egalitarian, approachable leadership and wit. Tributes have been pouring in from various educational institutions from around the world, leaders shared. “May God’s Spirit comfort his wife, Lynda, and all of us who knew and admired him,” Daniel Duda, the Trans-European Division president, wrote. “His expertise and humor made an impact around the world!”

The original version of this story was posted on the Trans-European Division news site.