The Appeal of Angwin: The Small College Community with a Big Heart

Driving through the world-renowned Napa Valley along the Silverado Trail reveals breathtaking views of rolling vineyards and lush green and gold trees—all surrounded by coastal mountains. Near the town of St. Helena, turn to ascend Howell Mountain and appreciate the beauty of its wooded tapestry.

Near the summit, the forest clears, revealing the campus of Pacific Union College—the vibrant heart of the idyllic community of Angwin.

Home to a mere 3,000 residents, many of whom are employed by the college, Angwin offers a unique sense of community beyond the workplace. In Angwin, everyone feels like a cherished member of an extended family.

The community has much to offer residents:

• Safe neighborhoods with friendly residents provide families with a safe environment for their children to play and explore freely outdoors.
 
• Proximity to a wealth of outdoor and recreational activities, including cycling, horseback riding, hiking, trail running, and on-campus amenities, including a gym, track, tennis, and pickleball courts. Additionally, dirt bike riding and water sports are readily accessible nearby.
 
• Enjoying the charm of small-town and rural living all within driving distance of world-class dining and cultural experiences in St. Helena, Napa, and San Francisco.
 
• Convenient access to high-quality healthcare services within a 5-minute drive.
 
• Opportunities for engaging in various community events, including concerts, lectures, and more on the PUC campus.
 
• Pacific Union College, a major employer, offers a comprehensive pay and benefits package featuring staff housing options, employee tuition assistance, discounted tuition for students from kindergarten to college, generous retirement benefits, and a Christ-centered work environment.
 
• Explore first-class Adventist educational opportunities ranging from preschool all the way to graduate studies at PUC.

Here are three stories from residents about why they value and love working for PUC and living in Angwin.

Sam and Jodel Heier: A Leap of Faith and Love of Family

Sam and Jodel Heier began their journey as a couple while students at PUC and married not long after graduation. Over the past two decades, they resided in the Redding area as they raised their two boys, Rylan and Luke. Sam was a general manager of a large manufacturing facility, and Jodel worked part-time as an occupational therapist for two school districts. With a passion for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, water, and winter sports, the Heiers had a fulfilling life.

When Sam was offered the position of executive director of financial administration at PUC, the family had a difficult choice. “We lived near lots of family, had good jobs, and enjoyed our church community immensely, “ Sam said. The Heiers spent much time in prayer and contemplation about the move—specifically about a new church family and schools for their sons.

Upon learning that Nate Furness had become the senior pastor at PUC Church, and after visiting PUC Elementary School and PUC Preparatory School, the Heiers decided to take a leap of faith and relocate to Angwin.

The family has embraced the experience of small-town life and the proximity to many attractions in Northern California. “Living here, you wouldn’t immediately know how close you are to fascinating recreational opportunities, the ocean, and San Francisco,” Sam said. The Heiers also appreciate the milder summer temperatures and the wonderful neighbors with whom they’ve forged friendships.

When asked what he would say to those considering moving to this area and working for PUC, Sam emphasized the importance of prayer and seeking God’s guidance. “We did not have PUC on our list of future destinations. But God did,” Sam said. The Heiers feel blessed to have just a three-minute drive to their sons’ schools and access to activities and events at the college and the surrounding area. “There are some amazing things happening at PUC right now,” he said. “It’s an exciting time to be here. It’s a beautiful part of the country, and the community makes it even more special.”

James and Ellen Dick: Blessed by Close Community for Over Two Decades

In 2001, James and Ellen Dick found Angwin to be the perfect home for their family after returning from missionary service for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Madagascar.

James worked with PUC’s academic administration, playing a vital role in the Adult Degree Completion Program. He later served as principal of PUC Elementary School for 17 years until his recent retirement. With a background in public health, Ellen worked in several positions at St. Helena Hospital. In recent years, she has been actively involved with PUC’s Department of Nursing and serving as a mentor for students at the Student Success Center.

Their three children attended PUC Elementary and PUC Prep before moving on to college, ultimately graduating from PUC in 2019 and 2020. “The quality of the education has been excellent,” they said. “The opportunities for exposure to a wide range of sports, play, and leadership roles were outstanding. Each of them has been well-prepared to take on adult life, whether with entrepreneurial business start-ups or graduate studies.”

James and Ellen actively participate in tennis, pickleball, volleyball, climbing, futsal, soccer, swimming, and other outdoor pursuits in the beautiful PUC Forest and the Back 40.

When asked about their favorite aspects of living in Angwin, the Dicks highlight the rural setting and the natural beauty surrounding them. “It’s fun to grow and harvest our own fruits and vegetables in the garden,” the couple said. “We are close enough to the sea, the mountains, and the cities of San Francisco and Sacramento to access the natural and cultural wonders with relative ease. We have been blessed with a network of friends and a strong church family that gives us a sense of community here in Angwin.”

Nephtali Marin: Outdoor Adventures and Nurturing Friendships

Nephtali Marin, a 26-year-old videographer for PUC, has moved a lot. Raised as a pastor’s kid, he lived in many places and attended multiple schools in Texas and Arizona. His father eventually accepted a position at the Northern California Conference, and the family moved to the Napa area. Nephtali graduated from PUC in 2015. He then temporarily lived in Walla Walla, Washington, for a few years before returning to Angwin to work for PUC.

“My favorite things about living in Angwin are its size, the landscape, and the community,” he said. An outdoor enthusiast, he enjoys trail running, cycling, and hiking. Nephtali especially loves how accessible the forest trails and roads are in the Angwin area. “I mostly cycle from Angwin to St.Helena and Napa, which is beautiful,” he said. “Cycling is common here, so bike lanes are fairly wide, and cars are attentive with many other cyclists.”

He loves the social life, too, which revolves around PUC and Angwin. “I have an amazing community here at PUC; whether attending student events, intramurals, music concerts, and more—there is always something to do.” He also regularly has dinner and movie or game nights with friends. Nephtali believes the slower pace of life away from towns and cities is beneficial for strengthening relationships.

Nephtali also appreciates the housing benefits provided by PUC and Adventist Health, making the area more financially feasible for residents. “I think the beauty and the benefits you get from living in Angwin or around the area are truly priceless,” he said.

For current job opportunities at PUC, visit puc.edu/hr.