The Union College Board of Trustees has invited Dr. Yamileth Bazan to take the reins as Union’s 30th president. Her term will begin on July 1, which is soon after the official transition to the new name of Union Adventist University. “Yami,” as she prefers to be called, brings with her a passion for education and ministry combined with a long legacy of supporting and mentoring students, university leaders and local church constituents.
Bazan has served in Adventist higher education for more than 17 years. As associate dean for Student Affairs at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, she currently oversees all student services and support offices, including student clubs and events, the Records Office, tutoring and other academic support, and health and wellness services. As vice president of Student Life at La Sierra University from 2007 to 2021, she led 10 departments ranging from athletics and counseling to campus security and spiritual life. Before entering higher education, Bazan served in youth ministry for the Southeastern California Conference and began her career teaching in Adventist elementary schools.
Bazan holds a Ph.D. in leadership from Andrews University, a master’s in administration and leadership as well as a bachelor’s from La Sierra University, and an associate degree from Loma Linda University. She has also taught graduate-level courses in educational leadership at La Sierra in addition to leading a seminar class in college success for first-year students for many years.
She is married to Daniel, an IT professional and entrepreneur, and the couple has one son, also Daniel, who is entering a doctoral program in neuroscience. The Bazans plan to transition to Lincoln this summer.