PUC Announces New VP of Student & Spiritual Life

Pacific Union College is thrilled to announce Aimee Leukert as the new Vice President of Student and Spiritual Life. Leukert’s passion and dedication to Adventist education will provide leadership and vision while creating a campus culture that promotes student success and cultivates a spiritual community. 

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. 

Leukert has presented at academic and professional meetings and conferences around the country, including at PUC colloquium, showcasing her research on topics ranging from faculty at faith-based universities to religious culture to higher education. 

PUC President Ralph Trecartin looks forward to the new dimensions Leukert will bring to the campus teams. "I'm very excited about the chance to take her research on SDA culture and strengthen how we communicate and implement the most positive and meaningful aspects of this culture in a way that resonates with our students," he said. 

Leukert will ease into this role, taking on some responsibilities during the spring quarter and moving into full capacity on July 1.