Only Architecture Graduate Program at an Adventist School Hires New Faculty

The Andrews University School of Architecture & Interior Design (SAID) in Berrien Springs, Michigan, United States, has hired three licensed practicing architects who possess extensive professional experience in a range of disciplines. These team members will augment the SAID’s already impressive faculty.

Additionally, one team member is moving from part-time adjunct faculty to full-time adjunct faculty, and another has increased her role with the program by moving from adjunct-contract to part-time status.

Collectively, these moves enrich and diversify the expertise available to current and future SAID students, including establishment of the school’s new Urban Design Studio.

The three new professors are Enrique Bernal Ponce (associate professor), Jussara Shultz Bauerman (professor) and Stella Diane Abijuru (associate professor of practice). Enrique Bernal Ponce has more than two decades of experience in architecture and education. He founded and served as director of the architecture program at the University of Montemorelos, Mexico. Enrique also co-founded an architectural consulting firm, is a sought-after presenter with an impressive array of publications, and is well-versed in teaching a range of vital subjects, including basic digital modeling, contemporary trends, residential design, and more.

Jussara Shultz Bauerman brings 30 years of diversified workplace and teaching experience to her new role as professor. She recently served as director of the Architecture and Urbanism program at Centro Universitario Adventista de Sao Paulo, Brazil. Additionally, her background includes extensive work designing Adventist churches and schools.

Stella Diane Abijuru is a licensed practicing architect in Rwanda, joining SAID after working for the highly acclaimed international architecture firm, MASS Design. Stella is a SAID graduate, having earned her master’s degree in architecture from Andrews in 2020.

In addition, two current faculty have taken on additional responsibilities for the 2023–24 school year. Tom Hurst, who began serving as part-time adjunct faculty in 2022–23, is moving to full-time adjunct faculty, effective this fall. Tom has 35 years of experience as a millwright and will teach Woodworking I and II and will also lead the woodworking studio.

Jessica Perry is moving from adjunct-contract to part-time status. She has nearly two decades of experience as a licensed interior designer and is heading up the SAID initiative to expand the interior design program.

“I’m delighted that the School of Architecture & Interior Design was able to invest this year in further enriching our students’ education by bringing in acclaimed new faculty and elevating the role of two additional key instructors,” Lionel Johnson, chair of the School of Architecture & Interior Design, said. “We also are pleased to have new opportunities for students to gain practical experience and further our mission service in honor of God.”

Andrews University’s architecture program was the first, and remains the only, bachelor’s and master’s degree-granting program in Adventist higher education, as well as the only Adventist English-language program of its kind. The program is also one of only a few faith-based universities in the nation to hold National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB) accreditation. The program has been ranked in the top 25 percent of architecture programs nationwide and has been ranked at #18 for architecture programs in private, non-profit universities.

The School of Architecture & Interior Design remains deeply committed to its mission to promote stewardship, rigorous scholarship, and creative problem-solving, all for the glory of God, program leaders said.

The original version of this story was posted by Andrews University.