Benita David, DBA

Benita David, MBA, DBA has been teaching classes in business, finance, marketing and leadership for Adventist University of Health Sciences since 2009. She was asked to develop the Master of Healthcare Administration program in 2011. Dr. David earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Zoology from Andrews University, a Master of Business Administration from Valdosta State University and a Doctorate of Business Administration from Argosy University where her research focused on the role of leadership and communication implemented on virtual teams in healthcare. She is an active member in both the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA); she also serves on the review panel for the Journal of Healthcare Management. Additionally, she spends time mentoring entrepreneurs while developing their leadership and management skills as they start their new businesses.

Edwin I. Hernández, Ph.D.

As the second President of Adventist University of Health Sciences (ADU), Edwin I. Hernández, Ph.D., is committed to extending the healing ministry of Christ through excellence in education, scholarship, and service.

As ADU Provost from 2015 to 2017, Dr. Hernández improved the University’s academic quality and stature by earning new accreditations for key programs and supporting both higher standards and increased support for faculty members. In 2017, he succeeded the University’s founding President, Dr. David Greenlaw, as President.

A leading scholar and strong advocate for Christian education, Dr. Hernández is also an ordained minister in the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church. After earning his undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology from Loma Linda University, Dr. Hernández earned his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University. He also holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Notre Dame, with a specialty in the Sociology of Religion.

Born in Glendale, California, Dr. Hernández grew up in a Christian family committed to education as the answer to serving the world and making a difference. His passion for bridging healthcare, education, and ministry is connected to his family’s values.

Early in his career, Dr. Hernández served as Chaplain at Hialeah Hospital in Miami, Florida; sociology faculty at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. He later served as Vice President of academic affairs at Antillean Adventist University in Puerto Rico, Program Officer for The Pew Charitable Trusts, and founding Director of the Center for the Study of Latino Religion at the University of Notre Dame.

Prior to joining ADU, as Senior Program Officer with the Doug & Maria DeVos Foundation, he led a successful multi-million-dollar urban education philanthropic initiative and community engagement strategy in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Throughout his career, Dr. Hernán