Education

 

The Adventist network of schools is the largest Protestant educational system in the world and includes preschool, elementary, and secondary schools, along with college- and university-level education. Our schools boast high achievement scores and an array of extracurricular advantages, including a focus on service, leadership, and community engagement. We employ committed, credentialed, and award-winning teachers with a passionate desire to serve Jesus through helping each student find his or her God-given potential. Our colleges and universities produce an array of highly skilled professionals, equipped with critical-thinking skills, a firm sense of vocation and purpose, and a desire to serve their communities.

 

 

Leadership

 

James P. Willis II

Vice President for Education

James P. Willis II has served as Vice President for Education at the Pacific Union Conference since 2025.

He previously held the same position at the Southern California Conference. Over the course of his career, Willis has served in six conferences throughout the North American Division, taking on roles that include teacher, principal, associate superintendent of schools, and superintendent of schools.

A dedicated educator and leader, Willis holds a B.A. in Religion from Oakwood University, an M.A. in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction from Loma Linda University, and an Ed.S. in Education Administration and Leadership from La Sierra University.

A native of Nashville, Tennessee, Willis is a proud son of the South. He has been married since 1978 and has one daughter, a son who pastors in the Northern California Conference, and a daughter-in-law.

 

 

Lynal Ingham

Associate Director Elementary Education

Lynal Ingham has served as the Associate Director of Elementary Education at the Pacific Union Conference since 2022.

She previously served as an elementary teacher, homeschool facilitator, and associate professor at Pacific Union College. For 14 years, she was the Associate Superintendent of Education in the Northern California Conference.

Ingham holds a B.S. in Liberal Studies from Pacific Union College and an M.A. in Elementary Education, as well as Reading Specialist certifications.

A California native, she is married to Robert, who is also an educator. They have a daughter who is a speech-language pathologist and a son who is a mechanical engineer.

 

 

Fernando Lista Oleynick

Associate Director Secondary Education

Fernando Lista Oleynick has served as the Associate Director of Secondary Education at the Pacific Union Conference since 2023.

He previously worked as an elementary and high school teacher, school principal, and, most recently, as the Superintendent of Education in the Nevada-Utah Conference, where he served for five years. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to Adventist education through leadership and service in various roles across different levels of the school system.

Oleynick holds a double B.A. in Education and Theology from River Plate Adventist University, and a M.S.Ed. in Administration and Supervision of Education from Southern Adventist Education. He also has a Ph.D. in K-12 Administration from Andrews University and is an ordained minister.

A native of Argentina, Oleynick is married to Cristine, and together they have two sons.

 

 

Julie Yamada

Associate Director Early Childhood Education

Julie Yamada has served as the Associate Director of Early Childhood Education at the Pacific Union Conference since 2014.

She previously served as Director of the Pacific Union College Discoveryland Children’s Center in St. Helena, California.

Yamada holds a M.A. in Early Childhood Studies with an emphasis in teaching adults from Walden University, as well as a double B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education and Spanish from Pacific Union College.

A native of Lemoore, California, Yamada is married to Greg, and they have two sons.

 

Only 180 Days

(También español) Every school year, teachers have only 180 days to teach their lessons and make an impact on their students. I was raised in the rhythm and the tempo of the school year. My dad was an Adventist teacher.

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