Administration

Dr. Ralph R. Trecartin Jr. is the twenty-fourth president of Pacific Union College. He and his wife Virginia encourage young people to walk closely with God through the adventures of life and to honor Him with lives of real joy.

Most recently, Dr. Trecartin held the positions of Associate Provost and Dean, College of Professions at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. In these roles he worked on campus-wide issues and specifically with the Department of Aviation, Department of Computing, School of Business, and helped to launch the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program. 

Previously, he served at the State University of New York, College at Brockport for 18 years in various capacities including as Assistant Professor of Finance, Associate Professor of Finance, Interim Assistant Honors Program Director, Research Compliance Coordinator, Acting Director of International Education, Executive Director of International Education and finally as Assistant Provost for International Education. 

Other roles have included: Visiting Professor at Otago University in Dunedin, New Zealand, Assistant Professor of Business at Andrews University for 11 years prior to moving to New York, and Interim Pastor in the Northern New England Conference. Dr. Trecartin has served on numerous denominational boards and committees over the years.

Dr. Trecartin holds a PhD in Finance from Michigan State University, an MBA from Andrews University, and a BA in Theology from Atlantic Union College. Dr. Trecartin believes that education is one of the most powerful ways to influence aspiring young people to reach for the highest levels of achievement while growing closer to God.

Dr. Lindsay (Morton) Hayasaka is an experienced educator and administrator. Beginning her career as a high school English teacher in 2004, Dr. Hayasaka obtained a master's degree in professional writing and literature from Deakin University (Melbourne, Australia) and a doctorate in journalism from Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand). She taught at Avondale University and worked as assistant dean in the faculty of Arts, Nursing and Theology in New South Wales, Australia, before moving to the United States to teach at Pacific Union College. She became associate academic dean of the college in 2021 and transitioned into the role of dean in 2023. Dr. Hayasaka is an active member of her scholarly community and currently serves as the second vice president of the International Association for Literary Journalism Studies. She enjoys researching in the field of literary journalism, writing and producing musicals, creating community, and travelling with her husband.

Joy Hirdler is a PUC alum and has served in various finance roles for over 15 years at Seventh-day Adventist institutions across the nation, including nearly five years at PUC in a position that’s now known as associate vice president for financial administration. Most recently, she worked in financial administration for Union College.

In addition to her work at Union College, Hirdler also served as the accounting manager for Loma Linda University and as director of human resources at The Grove Community Church in Riverside, California.

Hirdler is a graduate of Sacramento Adventist Academy. At PUC, she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in accounting. She also holds an MBA from Southern Adventist University with an emphasis in management.

Gene Edelbach joined PUC in early 2020. He oversees recruiting and enrollment efforts, manages the college’s marketing, communication, and publications. He brings with him a diverse and successful track record in Adventist higher education. During his tenure as Vice President for Enrollment Services at both La Sierra University and Union College in Nebraska, the schools saw significant enrollment growth.

Gene’s most recent work has been as the CEO and founder of California Preparatory College, a Christian junior college founded in 2007 in Redlands, CA and operated in the Seventh-day Adventist tradition.

Leukert has been an educator for over 20 years. She began her teaching career at Crescenta Valley Adventist School, where she also served as principal before moving to Newbury Park Academy and Monterey Bay Academy.

In addition to her bachelor’s in music and liberal studies and master’s in education administration and leadership from La Sierra University, Leukert also earned her Ph.D. in education from Claremont Graduate University, where she wrote a dissertation titled “Choosing God, Choosing Schools: A Study of the Relationship between Parental Religiosity and School Choice.”

She has written books focusing on Adventist education and culture in addition to her peer-reviewed publications. Her latest book from 2023 was Thriving: 31 Stories on the Impact of Adventist Education, a collection of stories from people who built on the foundation of their Adventist education and have thrived in their fields.

Carlos Garcia entered the pastoral work immediately after graduating with a bachelor's in theology from PUC. He served in Marysville, Lodi, and Chico after receiving his MDiv at Andrews University. In addition, Garcia also has a leadership degree from The Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame. He has over two decades of strong leadership experience, directing team decision-making, leadership organization and planning, motivation and in-person training, and conflict resolution.

He previously served as the lead pastor in Santa Maria, Modesto, Los Banos, Chico, Lodi, California, Marysville, and Provo, Utah. He led his congregations through pastoral care, provided department management and oversight, conducted lay and leadership training, and supported church growth in all phases.

Garcia was also a pharmaceutical sales leader in Chicago, Illinois. He facilitated sales to regional medical offices and hospitals, assessed trends, and provided continuing medical education for medical staff and hospital employees.