The “roadmap” of Seventh-day Adventist educational philosophy has guided our schools, colleges and universities for over a century, and remains as relevant and as critical to our success as ever. Even a cursory review of the cornerstones of our philosophy reminds us that thinking—a core “graduate attribute” of Adventist education—is not just a virtue but vital for discernment in a post-truth culture.
Adventist education prizes redemptive faith development as the central element in a balanced, purpose-filled learning program. Bringing all these elements of learning together involves the mentorship provided by values-aligned staff who play the most important role in achieving success.
The evidence of true learning is found in the joy of service. The pursuits valued by modern culture have little in common with the deeper virtues and character-building qualities to be found only through a personal experience of service for others. This is what differentiates our education system and is just as critical today as it was for the school of the prophets.
The challenges of tertiary education are well documented in the daily news, but through it all, we see that God continues to bless Avondale. As we implement the Strategic Renewal Plan, we can celebrate the growth in enrolments in 2025, causing our dormitories to be near capacity. Assurances that Avondale has the capacity to offer quality, Christian education have come in the form of a five-year accreditation by the Adventist Accrediting Association and the seven-year re-registration period provided by Australia’s tertiary education assurance agency (TEQSA). Further recognition, from independent national surveys, has identified Avondale University as having the highest rate of full-time graduate employment in Australia. Continued endorsement by our graduating students is highlighted in recognition of the Education and Nursing programs as being consistently among the best in Australia. The role of research—exploring and advancing new ideas within our values framework—is also widely recognised, informing decisions and improving practice in all areas of life.
We receive great encouragement from messages reminding us that friends of Avondale are praying, uplifting, and supporting the work and workers at Avondale as we collectively prepare the future leaders of our community.
