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.

After graduating from PUC with a B.S. in advertising design and one in studio art, Milbert Mariano acquired his M.F.A. from Academy of Art University in San Francisco. In summer 2019, he shifted into his new role as vice president for academic administration and academic dean. With four years as a student, nearly 25 years of teaching graphic design, and 12 of those as department chair, Mariano’s intimate knowledge of and love for the college goes back nearly three decades.

Taking a deep interest in every area of campus, Mariano has served on several student committees as advisor and sponsor, co-directed the annual Publications Workshop for high school students, and has been part of PUC’s Cultural Engagement Taskforce and Academic Standards & General Education, among others. Mariano’s overarching goal as an educator and an administrator is to provide spaces that spark creative learning, and to innovate curriculum that encourages collaboration between departments.

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.

Dr. Smith comes to Pacific Union College with nearly two decades of higher education experience in student services/enrollment and academic affairs. With a wealth of experience across student life and academia, Smith’s career has spanned both the Seventh-day Adventist education system and the state university and community college systems. Most recently, Dr. Smith served as Vice President for Student Services and Second in Command at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, Alabama. Dr. Smith received his bachelor's degree at Oakwood University, a master’s from Alabama A&M University, a doctorate from Morgan State University, and is a licensed social worker.

Kellie Jensiene Lind has a long history with Pacific Union College. Before returning to serve as PUC’s chief advancement officer in 2017, previously she worked as the college’s public relations director, the alumni and development director, the associate director of student enrollment, and graduated from PUC with degrees in public relations and journalism. As a PUC alumna and longtime resident and businesswoman in the Napa Valley, Lind offers a unique perspective on building relationships with alumni, community members, and business owners. Combining her infectious personality with her background in marketing and fundraising, Lind has already begun cultivating new philanthropic opportunities in the valley.

Lind currently serves as president of the Angwin Community Council, and is also a member of the Lodi Academy Alumni Homecoming Committee. In her free time, she enjoys meeting new people, cooking, entertaining, interior design and decorating, flower arranging, and swimming. She has two sons, Christian and Carignane, and is enjoying being a grandmother to two.