Montemorelos University Board Elects New President

José Luis Olmos chosen to lead the Adventist institution as leaders highlight transition, legacy, and mission.

May 5, 2026 | Miami, Florida, United States | Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News

Montemorelos University, a Seventh-day Adventist institution directly overseen by the Inter-American Division, elected a new president to lead the 53-year-old educational institution for the next five years during its mid-year board meetings on May 5, with members gathered in Miami, Florida, United States.

The board elected José Luis Olmos, 57, a longtime church administrator who has served the Seventh-day Adventist Church for nearly 34 years. He has been serving as treasurer of the Southeast Mexican Union, which oversees the church in the states of Campeche, Quintana Roo, Yucatán, as well as several municipalities of the state of Tabasco, a role he has held since 2016.

Olmos, a native of Veracruz, Mexico, has worked as a conference treasurer, secretary-treasurer, auditor, and vice president for financial affairs at Linda Vista University, in addition to holding roles as a teacher and school accountant in denominational service. He holds a master’s degree in business administration from Montemorelos University and is currently pursuing a doctorate in business administration from the same institution.

The final vote followed a nearly seven-month process during which a search committee reviewed 14 applications for the university presidency, explained Inter-American Division (IAD) President Pastor Abner De los Santos. After a thorough evaluation based on established criteria, the pool was narrowed to three candidates, whose names were submitted to the nominating committee for final prayerful consideration.

“This process involved eight sessions of prayerful study, thorough interviews of the candidates and we are confident and will closely support in this transition for our beloved Montemorelos University” De los Santos said.

Board members also voted for current vice presidents to continue serving until a nominating committee is convened during the 2026 year-end meetings to review the institution’s administrative positions.

Leadership Emphasizes Growth and Transition

Following the announcement, Pastor De los Santos, emphasized that leadership changes are a natural part of institutional development.

“Every institution in movement, every institution in growth requires transition,” De los Santos said.

He affirmed confidence in the new leadership while recognizing the ongoing role of outgoing president Ismael Castillo.

“We thank God knowing that Pastor Castillo’s experience will continue to be a blessing for future generations,” he said.

Dr. Ismael Castillo, who has served Montemorelos University for more than 39 years, reflected on decades of service and the impact of the institution’s mission.
“We have seen miracles—within our university community, in the lives of our students, and in the communities we serve,” Castillo said.

He described the university as a place shaped by compassion, vision, and commitment to mission, and expressed confidence in the next generation of leaders.

“I have climbed the mountain and seen what lies ahead,” Castillo said. “The most beautiful days are still to come for Montemorelos University and Adventist education.

Voices of Appreciation from the Floor

Board members and leaders expressed gratitude for Castillo’s leadership and affirmed support for the institution’s future.

Luis Rivera, president of the Puerto Rican Union, highlighted the lessons learned under Castillo’s leadership.

“We have witnessed many miracles,” Rivera said. “We have learned the importance of strong financial stewardship, teamwork, and a deep commitment to mission.”

Rivera added that Castillo’s leadership demonstrated that “dreams require hard work” and that the university continues to be guided by passion for service.

Isaías Espinoza, publishing ministries director of the IAD, also expressed appreciation for Castillo’s spiritual leadership and lasting influence on the church and university community. Referring to a recent sermon presented by Castillo, Espinoza said the message reflected the depth of his ministry, his commitment to mission, and the spiritual vision that has guided his years of leadership.

“It was one of the most powerful messages I have heard,” Espinoza said. “It reflected a life fully dedicated to service, leadership grounded in faith, and a clear sense of mission that has inspired generations.”

Board members then voted to record a formal expression of gratitude for Castillo’s decades of service.

Mission Remains Central

In closing remarks, De los Santos reminded leaders that mission remains the foundation of all Adventist institutions.

“Mission is our reason for being,” he said. “We are called to serve with passion and compassion.”

He noted that Montemorelos University has been “led by God” and shaped by faithful leadership over the years.

The board meeting concluded with a prayer led by De los Santos, committing both outgoing and incoming leadership to God’s guidance.

Institutional Report Highlights Growth, Stability, and Vision

Earlier in the session, board members reviewed the university’s quinquennial report, presented by Castillo where he highlighted sustained institutional growth despite beginning the five-year period during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Montemorelos University currently offers 72 academic programs, from secondary education to doctoral studies, through on-campus, extension, and virtual platforms. Enrollment stands at approximately 2,950 students representing 46 countries and 12 of the 14 world divisions of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, with 96 percent of students identifying as Adventist.

Financially, the institution maintained a healthy balance throughout the quinquennium, allowing continued investment in academic development and a strong scholarship program without reliance on subsidies, university officials reported.

The 2024 audit conducted by the General Conference Auditing Service received the highest possible rating, they said.

Board members also approved a new academic framework presented by Academic Vice President Judith Ayala, designed to guide curriculum renewal and expand educational offerings. The model emphasizes spiritual formation, wholistic education, innovation, and integration of mission across disciplines.

In addition, the board approved the Institutional Development Plan 2031, which outlines strategic priorities for the next five years, including strengthening the university’s role as an international hub for Adventist education, expanding flexible learning systems, integrating health, research, and clinical service, and diversifying financial and management models.

Leaders reaffirmed the university’s mission to provide wholistic education rooted in faith, service, and biblical truth, expressing confidence that continued collaboration and commitment will allow the institution to expand its impact in the years ahead.

Brenda Ceron contributed to this report.

To learn more about Montemorelos University, its programs and initiatives, visit um.edu.mx