We are pleased to announce that John McVay, Walla Walla University president emeritus, has accepted the call to become Oregon Conference president, effective Jan. 1, 2025. The offer was extended on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 after several months of diligent planning and prayer by the Oregon Conference search committee, which is comprised of all Oregon Conference executive committee and nominating committee members. The offer was accepted immediately.
McVay recently retired as the president of WWU at the end of the 2023–2024 academic year. His service to the Seventh-day Adventist Church spans 44 years, with 18 years dedicated to WWU.
As the longest-serving president in the university's history, McVay led significant initiatives, including the transition from Walla Walla College to Walla Walla University and the establishment of a wide range of academic centers and programs. He oversaw all operations of the university with an annual budget of $50 million as well as working with students, faculty and staff. As president, McVay’s priorities included strategic planning and visioning, fundraising, working closely with WWU’s four vice presidents and immersing himself in the community he served.
In accepting his new role, McVay remarked, “Oregon Conference is special territory to our family. I am honored to return here, joining deeply committed members, pastors, teachers and office staff as we work together in preaching and teaching the hope-filled, Adventist message.”
John Freedman, NPUC president and chair of the selection committee, expressed his enthusiasm for McVay's appointment: "McVay has an exemplary track record of leadership in the Pacific Northwest as the long-time president of WWU. He has demonstrated consistent, thoughtful, principled leadership throughout his career. We are thrilled to welcome him as Oregon Conference president. He is a spiritually grounded leader whose vision, dedication and passion for service will be invaluable as we navigate the future of our church and community."
Prior to his years leading at WWU, McVay served as Andrews University Theological Seminary dean and New Testament professor, taught in Pacific Union College's religion department and, for a time, served as Pacific Union College Church senior pastor. He has also served as a pastor in Iowa and Georgia and holds a Master of Divinity degree from Andrews University and a doctorate from University of Sheffield in England.
McVay plans to begin serving as Oregon Conference president in January 2025 following the end-of-the-year leadership and guidance of Don Livesay, interim president.
