During its regular meeting on Nov. 13, the North Pacific Union Conference (NPUC) executive committee elected Dennis L. Plubell as the new NPUC vice president for education. He will replace Lanny Hurlbert who plans to retire from that position early in 2014. Plubell is no stranger to educational leadership in the NPUC. He served as Hurlbert's associate from 1997–2007. Since then he has filled the role of director of secondary education and accreditation for the North American Division. Plubell and his wife, Barbara, currently make their home in the greater Portland, Ore., area.
"Much could be said about the legacy of support and collaboration that has defined Adventist education across the NPUC," says Plubell. "I come with a deep commitment to ensuring that these values continue. However, the challenges that will continue to assail God’s schools, given the condition of mankind and the condition of our society in these times, will also require that we seek diligently for effective new ways to ensure that the mission and ministry of Adventist education remains viable and valued for as long as God would have us in the business of shepherding His children and youth."