Administration

Dr. Robert A. Cushman Jr. is the twenty-third president of Pacific Union College. Most recently, Dr. Cushman held the position of vice president for academic administration at Walla Walla University in Walla Walla, Wash., after serving as professor of paleobiology and department chair in the department of biological sciences at the university for four years. Previously, he served as vice principal at El Dorado Adventist School for two years while teaching grades 7-12 and coaching the men’s varsity basketball team. He also taught for 12 years at Loma Linda University, serving as assistant professor, associate department chair, and the department chair of the department of earth and biological sciences.

Dr. Cushman holds a Ph.D. in geology from the Colorado School of Mines, a master’s in geology from Loma Linda University, and a bachelor’s in biology from Walla Walla College (now University). He is a passionate Adventist educator who looks forward to helping PUC as the college continues to develop its new strategic plan. His commitment to collaborative efforts and willingness to partner with faculty, staff, and students, makes him a great addition to the college’s administration team.

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.

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.

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.

A former vice president and chief financial officer for St. Helena Hospital, Napa Valley, Parker is a certified public accountant with over 20 years of experience in finance and operations in healthcare, secondary education, and in the private sector. Earlier leadership appointments have included Mendocino regional vice president and chief financial officer at Adventist Health, vice president and chief financial officer at Ukiah Valley Medical Center, finance manager for Glendale Adventist Medical Center, and vice principal of operations and chief financial officer for Monterey Bay Academy.

A native of Apple Valley, Calif., Parker is a graduate of Monterey Bay Academy. He completed a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting at PUC and an M.B.A from La Sierra University. He lives in Angwin with his wife, Heidi, and has two sons, Adam and Sam.