Alex Bryan inaugurated as WWU president

ON NOVEMBER 12, Alex Bryan was inaugurated as Walla Walla University’s 24th president, having assumed the role on July 1. He succeeds John McVay, who served for 18 years.

Inauguration festivities kicked off November 10 with the annual Distinguished Faculty Lecture, featuring David Cowles, professor of biology. Additional inauguration events included a banquet and President’s Office dedication.

During the inauguration ceremony held at Walla Walla University Church, Bryan shared his vision for how WWU can fulfill its vital role of building faith well into the future.

Bryan is no stranger to the university church pulpit: His family (he and wife Nicole Ward Bryan have two children, Audrey and William) has lived in College Place since 2009 when he became the senior pastor at Walla Walla University Church. In 2013 he became president of Kettering College (Ohio) for a year, before returning to Walla Walla University Church. In 2018, Bryan joined Adventist Health (Roseville, Calif.), where he served as senior vice president and chief mission officer.

He holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in history and religion from Southern Adventist University (Collegedale, Tenn.), a master of divinity degree from Andrews University (Berrien Springs, Mich.), a doctor of ministry degree from George Fox University (Newberg, Ore.), and a master of science degree in bioethics from Albany Medical College (Albany, N.Y.).

Watch a recording of the inauguration ceremony at wallawalla.edu/president.