Vice President for Academic Administration, Dolf Oberholster, has accepted a call to serve at Middle East University in Beirut, Lebanon, where he will serve as vice president for academic administration beginning in August 2021. Trevlynn Oberholster, his wife, will serve as HR Director and coordinator of campus services.
Before moving to AIIAS, Oberholster served as an educator and K-12 administrator in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Palau.
Oberholster has been leading at AIIAS since 2002. He began as director of the Division of Online Learning and as a faculty member in the education department. From 2008-2009 he served as the accreditation liaison officer while continuing as a faculty member in the education department. That same year he was appointed to leadership as the vice president for academic administration at AIIAS, a position he has held through the present. Oberholster’s colleagues typically describe his administrative style as gentle and collegial, mentoring others and working to ensure that all voices are heard.
Beginning at AIIAS as an academy librarian, Trevlynn Oberholster currently serves as Human Resources director, and as campus services and guest house coordinator. Similarly, she will work as the human resources director and campus services coordinator for Middle East University.
“Dolf was AIIAS’s very first VP for Academic Administration, leading in that role for the past twelve years,” President Ginger Ketting-Weller said in announcing the news. “Trevlynn’s role as HR Administrator/Campus Services Coordinator has touched nearly every aspect of this campus. I think we can safely characterize the Oberholsters as some of the ‘pillars of AIIAS,’ people who hold in their knowledge a significant portion of the history and heart of this institution.” She added, “We will sorely miss them,” and acknowledged that a sense of calling has driven their decision to transition.
Appreciation has been expressed by those who work closely in leadership with the Oberholsters. “Trevlynn was involved in many aspects of student services before I joined AIIAS in 2015. Her always-willing attitude to help was instrumental for me as I was new at the job. I have always appreciated her advice and suggestions,” shares Bryan Sumendap, vice president for student services at AIIAS.
“After so many years caring for the employees and students, you deserve a break from us,” quips Jorge Montero, vice president for finance at AIIAS in addressing Trevlynn before growing more serious. “I believe that all of us will remember your great contribution to our growth. We wish you all blessings from above. My dear friend, it was a privilege to work with you. I know the break will be short, and soon you will have to take care of other ones there as well.”
“Dr. Dolf has been a hands-on VP for Academic Affairs; he has supported every program we have in the Graduate School,” remarks Danny Rantung, dean of AIIAS Graduate School. “Having a leader like him is an inspiration for his subordinates to do their best as well. He will be greatly missed, and his legacy will remain an inspiration.”
“There has never been a time when I have been associated with AIIAS when Dr. Oberholster was not present. I will miss him,” writes Ella Simmons, general vice president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church world headquarters. “Over the years I have come to appreciate him as a Christian academic professional who is faithful to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, to high quality standards for rigorous curricula and instruction, relevant guiding policy, and a unifying supportive campus climate. He has been a blessing to the board. My sincere prayers go with Dolf and Trevlynn as they respond to God’s call to a new field.”
The Oberholsters are grateful for their experiences during their time at AIIAS, most importantly God’s providence in their lives as revealed in a number of ways. Dr. Oberholster fondly recalls several students who shared how they found a better understanding of God in his classes. “We have seen AIIAS move from being a teenager to being a mature institution,” reflects Dolf. “As it matures further, do not lose sight of the evolving mission God has for AIIAS.” He adds, “We identify strongly with the mission and values of AIIAS, for it is an indelible part of us. It has been our home for the past 25 years.” The Oberholsters will conclude their work at AIIAS at the end of July.
The Oberholsters express gratitude for good relationships with a range of people they have worked with from all over the world. When asked about best memories, Trevlynn responds, “Meeting new students and employees and watching how they grow and develop and change before leaving AIIAS, and being part of the change of AIIAS campus while working with the new building and especially the auditorium.”
May God bless you, Dr. and Mrs. Oberholster, as you begin a new chapter in the Lord’s mission field!
— Sharnie Love Zamora, AIIAS Assistant for Institutional Writing
