La Sierra University Makes History with First Black President
La Sierra University has entered a new chapter in its 103-year history with the appointment of Dr. Christon Arthur as its sixth president. Since July 1, 2024, Dr. Arthur has been at the helm of this private Seventh-day Adventist university, becoming its first Black president since its founding in 1922.
Dr. Arthur’s journey to this historic role is rooted in his passion for education and his commitment to inclusivity. “Being the first anything could be daunting, but it’s also an opportunity,” he said. “This is Southern California, one of the more progressive parts of the country. La Sierra is a progressive university, yet it took us 103 years to reach this milestone. I see it as a chance to do good work and exceed expectations.”
A Personal Journey Shaped by Resilience and Inspiration
Dr. Arthur’s dedication to education was inspired by his late mother, who faced significant challenges in her own schooling. Growing up in Grenada, Arthur recalls his mother being forced to leave school in third grade simply because she was a girl. Her story fueled his determination to ensure equal access to education for all.
Before joining La Sierra, Dr. Arthur served as provost at Andrews University in Michigan. His career, however, was not without setbacks. Early in his career, he was passed over for a principal position in Grenada, a decision that initially left him devastated. Reflecting on that moment, he now sees it as a blessing. “Not getting that job was the biggest blessing that ever happened to me,” he said. It led him to pursue graduate studies, earn a doctorate, and eventually become a faculty member at Tennessee State University.
Building a Welcoming and Inclusive Community
In a time when diversity and inclusion programs face challenges nationwide, Dr. Arthur is committed to making La Sierra University a safe and welcoming space for all. “There’s a place for you,” he emphasized. “I want that to become part of our core. We have this grand table, and there’s a place for you at the table.”
Over the past seven months, Dr. Arthur has focused on building relationships with local organizations, including the Riverside County Office of Education and The 100 Black Men of Inland Empire, Inc. These partnerships aim to create pathways for students to thrive and combat negative stereotypes. “I want La Sierra to be part of the story that shows young people there’s a place for them to come and thrive,” he said.
A Vision for Growth and Excellence
Looking ahead, Dr. Arthur is leading the university in developing a strategic plan for the next three years. A key goal is to grow the student population to 5,000 within a decade. Currently, the university’s fall 2023 enrollment stands at 1,614 students.
Dr. Arthur has set an ambitious target for fall 2025: welcoming 500 new freshmen, which would be the largest freshman class in 14 years. “We’re articulating our core purpose and values to show what makes us unique,” he explained. “This is just the beginning of a new era for La Sierra University.”
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