ecember 2018…It has been almost 41 years since I first walked into my 7th and 8th grade classroom in Lansing Michigan as a teacher. God has richly blessed me in those years to have served at almost every level in the NAD Educational System. I look back wondering where all the years have gone, yet I know that the time has come to hand off the reins to another dedicated administrator.

I want to say that although I have had many people in my life that have added value and helped me through situations, it has been the steady support and influence of my wife Sandra that has made the difference. She says, and rightfully so, that we have been married for 43 years and together for 18. We have moved 26 times in our marriage, and yet I know I have always had a stable home. Thank you for your support and encouragement.

Things will be different in the future, for the NAD Educational System and for my family. I celebrate the change. I only pray that the new NAD VP will feel as supported and valued as I have for the last 17 years. We have a strong group of educational administrators and NAD officers.

I want to say thank you to each of you that have worked with me and traversed the trials and tribulations inherent in education. Many of you have directly influenced who I am, and although I may not have said it at the time, thank you!

Sandy and I will be moving to Eagle, Idaho, near Boise to be near my daughter and beautiful Idaho mountains. I will always be dedicated to Adventist education and helping our children know Jesus as their personal Savior. If I can be an ear, or help in anyway, let me know.

May God continue to richly bless each of you. May His face shine in your classroom every day, and may His peace attend you as you serve Him.

Larry Blackmer

NAD VP for Education

Larry Blackmer

Vice President, Education

Larry has served at Grand Ledge Academy in Grand Ledge, Michigan, as both teacher and principal; at Adelphian Academy in Holly, Michigan, as vice principal and boys’ dean; and as principal at Mount Pisgah Academy in North Carolina and Takoma Academy in Takoma Park, Maryland. Larry also served for seven years as associate superintendent in the Michigan Conference. He also served as superintendent of schools in the Idaho Conference. Prior to serving as the vice president of education for the NAD, Larry served as associate director of education for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America. His duties include secondary education, marketing and technology.