Mrs. Ana Patterson was welcomed by Southwestern Adventist University as its 26th President in July 2021. Patterson graduated from Southwestern Adventist University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in long-term healthcare in 1999 and a Master of Business Administration in 2012. She is the university’s first female and first Hispanic president. Patterson most recently worked as the special assistant to the president for the university, has nearly a decade of teaching experience as a business professor at the university, and was named Educator of the Year for the 2016-2017 school year. In addition to Higher Education, her background has included entrepreneurial ventures in real estate, construction and land development. She has been an active member of the surrounding community for the past two decades, serving in various roles on boards for several organizations. Patterson is married to her academy sweetheart, Greg, and they have three children. Together they enjoy gardening, traveling, and volunteering.

Chad Giles joined Southwestern Adventist University in May 2025. He holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Finance from Columbia Union College (now Washington Adventist University), earned in 1997. He later completed a Master of Science in Management with an emphasis in Accounting from the University of Maryland University College, he is also a Certified Public Accountant, licensed in both Texas and Maryland.
 
Prior to joining Southwestern, he served as a Director in the Nonprofit Assurance Department at CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA). He also spent over 20 years in leadership roles at the General Conference Auditing Service, where he provided financial oversight and strategic guidance across North America.
 
Giles is married to Danette, and together they have two sons. As a family, they enjoy traveling and exploring the world.

Dr. William Smith II joined Southwestern Adventist University in 2025 as Vice President for Academic Administration. Prior to coming to Southwestern Adventist University, Dr. Smith served as Senior Director of Global Engagement at the Texas International Education Consortium and held leadership positions at the University of Texas at San Antonio, Purdue University and University of Georgia. He earned a Ph.D. in Education with a focus in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University, an M.A. in Policy History from Bowling Green State University, and a B.A. in History from Oakwood University. Dr. Smith is passionate about student success, academic innovation, and building collaborative educational environments.

Ms. Rahneeka Hazelton came to Southwestern Adventist University as Director of Admissions in 2012. In June 2020, Ms. Hazelton was appointed Assistant Vice President of Enrollment and assumed the position of Vice President of Enrollment in September of the same year. Prior to coming to Southwestern Adventist University, she served as the Program Coordinator for the School of Graduate and Professional Studies at Washington Adventist University for six years.  She has a B.S. in Social Work and an M.A. in Public Administration from Washington Adventist University.  She enjoys working with young adults and helping them succeed to their fullest potential.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and exploring the great state of Texas. 

Pastor Russ Laughlin joined Southwestern Adventist University in 2012 as Vice President for Spiritual Development.  Prior to that, he worked as an associate pastor, pastor, and youth pastor from 1986 to1995. In 1995, he became the Pastor for Youth Ministry at the Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church, where he remained until he came to the University. Pastor Russ has a B.A. in Theology from Southern Adventist University (1984) and a M.Div. from Andrews University (1987). He was ordained by the Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in 1989 and received certification as a university chaplain in 2014 from the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. He is active in the community, serving on church, city, and county boards.  A seasoned speaker, presenter, and trainer in youth leadership, Pastor Russ also participates in several community service projects.  Pastor Russ and his wife, Jeanne, have two children. He enjoys wakesurfing, motorcycle riding, and woodworking. 

Mr. James The is currently the Vice President for Student Services.  He began his service at Southwestern Adventist University during the summer of 2001 as Dean of Men, where he served for 11 years. His prior employment includes Campus Chaplain and Religion Teacher at Highland View Academy, Principal of Modesto Adventist Academy, and principal and teacher at Foothill Elementary School. Dean The has an M.Ed. in Educational Administration with an Emphasis in Educational Leadership from Southwestern Adventist University, and a B.S. in Physical Education (1983) from Pacific Union College. During his 38 years of experience in the field of education, Dean The has had a consistent goal of working to create a positive learning environment, a keen sense of school community, and a passion for service with students.  His administrative roles, as well as his teaching and coaching experiences, residence hall leadership, and involvement in student life, have prepared him to deal with the varied aspects of leading the department of Student Services.  He and his wife, Cheryl, are the parents of two children and the proud grandparents of three grandchildren. 

Dr. Marcel Sargeant is currently serving as the Vice President for Institutional Research and Effectiveness. He began working at Southwestern Adventist University in 2002 and has served as a professor and chair, and is currently serving as an administrator. In addition, he has served on several committees at all levels of the Seventh-day Adventist organization and has presented at numerous conferences nationally and internationally. He also serves as a site visitor for several programs and regional accreditation organizations. Before coming to Southwestern Adventist University, he served as an educator in Illinois, a curriculum writer and teacher, a consultant for the Federal Department of Education on St. Maarten, and a science instructor at the University of St. Martin for 15 years. 

In addition, Dr. Sargeant enjoys research and has written articles on science and mathematics education and higher education. He has co-authored textbooks in general psychology and science education. He enjoys working with organizations worldwide on research for underrepresented groups. His lifelong motto is “to lead is to serve and strive to make a difference in those you serve.” 
 

Mr. George Vander Veer joined Southwestern Adventist University in November 2024. A 2005 graduate of Southwestern with a B.S. in Social Science, he went on to earn an M.S.W. from Walla Walla University in 2009 and a J.D. from South Texas College of Law in 2015. He is also a licensed attorney in the state of Texas.
 
Prior to returning to Southwestern, he served for seven years as CEO of DiscoverU, an education nonprofit. He also previously operated a solo law practice focused on serving small businesses and nonprofits.
 
Mr. Vander Veer is married to Nichole, whom he met during his time at Southwestern, and they have two sons and a daughter.