August 28, 2007

by Jacquelyn Weischadle

Steve Pawluk has joined La Sierra University’s School of Education faculty as Professor of Administration and Leadership.

An alum, Pawluk received his B.A. in Theology from the La Sierra campus of Loma Linda University in 1976. He has since earned both a M.A. in Biblical Studies in 1982 from Loma Linda University and a Doctorate of Education from Montana State University in 1992. His dissertation compared the academic achievements of elementary students in multi-grade and single-grade classrooms and was published in 1993 in the Journal of Research in Christian Education.

Most recently the Senior Vice President of Academic Administration at Southern Adventist University in Tennessee, Pawluk has also served as the dean of the School of Education and Psychology at Walla Walla College in Washington. However, he is excited to return to the professor position.
“Life as a professor is a good life,” he says. “La Sierra University seems like an Adventist university with thinking Christians engaged in culture and I’m planning to design classes in Administration and Leadership that are compelling and useful.”

Though his career is deeply rooted in education institutions, Pawluk has served as a pastor, a reserve police officer, a contractor, and a salesman. With interests in learning German and perfecting his Spanish, he also enjoys piloting airplanes, hiking, and being involved in the community. Pawluk and his wife, Carol, a music teacher, have a son and daughter who both graduated from Walla Walla College.

While at La Sierra, Pawluk wishes to pursue various research projects. “I have interest in strategic planning, legitimate use of power, and how Seventh-day Adventist theology influences higher education. I hope to collaborate with faculty,” he says. Already, Pawluk has published numerous articles in professional and popular publications including topics of evaluating Seventh-dayAdventist schools, developing student morals, and exploring Adventist higher education.

His service at La Sierra University will be a nurturing relationship with faculty and students. “I’m looking forward to being a part of the faculty and interacting with campus opportunities to influence lives,” Pawluk says, “Education isn’t just about teaching; it’s also about value driven relationships.”

Contact: Larry Becker
Executive Director of University Relations
La Sierra University
Riverside, California
951.785.2460 (voice)