Southwestern Adventist University announces Dr. Nelu Nedelea as the 27th president in the university’s 133-year history. The Board of Trustees, after a thorough and prayerful search, voted to appoint Nedelea to the position.

“Dr. Nedelea’s deep commitment to mission, his proven leadership across complex organizations, and his heart for forming the next generation made him the ideal candidate for the role of president. We thank God for His leadership in the selection process, and we know the university is in good hands, because it’s in God’s hands,” says Elton DeMoraes, Chair of the Southwestern Adventist University Board and president of the Southwestern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

Nedelea comes to the role with 10 years of increasing strategic and executive leadership responsibilities, vision casting, and program optimization experience. Formerly a pastor in Romania and Canada, Nedelea holds a Ph.D. in Global Leadership and Change from Pepperdine University, a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from La Sierra University in 2018, and a Master of Science in Chaplaincy from Loma Linda University in 2016. He is an ordained minister within the Seventh-day Adventist Church and holds active ministerial credentials through the North American Division.

“Dr. Nedelea brings exactly what we were looking for: a leader who has integrated mission and values at scale, and who leads from his faith. The committee believes he is the right person, at the right time, to lead Southwestern Adventist University," says John Page, Southwestern Union Conference Treasurer and chair of the search committee.

Currently the System Vice President for Mercy Health System, Nedelea has a proven track record for mission integration, improving cultural and spiritual care, and establishing partnerships for program growth. He has led in spiritual development initiatives and on significant fundraising projects. His experience includes strategic planning, policy development, and program assessment.

“Southwestern Adventist University is entering a season of great opportunity, and I am confident that God has prepared Dr. Nedelea for this moment,” says DeMoraes. “His love for students, his devotion to the mission of Adventist education, and his servant’s heart will be a blessing to this campus and to the entire Southwestern Union family. We ask the church to join us in praying for him, for Southwestern, and for the work God is calling us to do together.”

The appointment concludes an extensive national search led by a committee of trustees, aided by FaithSearch Partners, who sought input from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other members of the SWAU community.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as president of Southwestern Adventist University,” says Nelu Nedelea, Ph.D. “I believe this is a moment to build bridges between faith, innovation, academic excellence and service. My family and I are excited to join a community committed to developing students not only for successful careers, but also for lives of purpose, leadership and meaningful impact.”

Dr. Nedelea will officially assume the presidency on July 15, 2026.

 

Media Contact:
Joe Zemleduch
Marketing & PR Director
817-202-6628
joe.zem@swau.edu