The Pacific Union College has named a new president to replace Dr. Richard Osborn, who stepped down in June.

The PUC board of trustees appointed Dr. Heather J. Knight to take over the post in mid-September, just in time for the new academic year and amid a flurry of political activity over PUC’s proposed Angwin eco-village.

“It is a tremendous privilege and blessing to be invited to serve as the next president of Pacific Union College,” Knight said in a prepared statement. “Pacific Union College has a very distinguished history, and I am honored to have this opportunity to carry on the proud PUC tradition of ensuring academic excellence and spiritual authenticity. I look forward to working collaboratively with the PUC Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students and alumni to help move PUC to the next level of excellence for this distinctive institution.”

Knight is provost at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich., where she has worked since 2006. Prior to her position at Andrews, Knight was the associate provost at the University of the Pacific in Stockton for faculty development, diversity and special programs. She was also a tenured professor in the department of English at the University of the Pacific, and in 1995, she became the youngest faculty member to receive the University’s distinguished Eberhardt Teacher/Scholar Award.

Knight has a Ph.D. in English literature from Stanford University. She received her bachelor’s degree in English from Oakwood College and a master’s degree in English from Loma Linda University.

“Dr. Knight comes to Pacific Union College with over 20 years of experience in higher education and a deep respect from the higher education community,” said Dr. Ricardo Graham, PUC board chairman and president of the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. “From her work at the University of the Pacific to Andrews University, Dr. Knight has a proven track record of leading institutions to success, and we are thrilled to have her at PUC.”

Knight is married to Dr. Norman Knight, senior pastor of the Berean South Bend and Dowagiac Faith Fellowship Adventist Churches. Norman Knight is also an adjunct professor of homiletics at Andrews University.

The Knights have eight children and a grandchild on the way.