Hugh Davis – Lincoln, Nebraska … After thoughtful discussions with local conference education superintendents and presidents, the Mid-America Union Conference (MAUC) administration brought forward the name of Carisa Carr to the Union Executive Committee yesterday, which voted to appoint her as the new director of education. Her selection follows the passing of longtime director LouAnn Howard on September 26, 2025.

Howard devoted more than 47 years of her life to Adventist education, faithfully serving as a teacher, superintendent, mentor and leader. Her legacy of dedication and compassion left a deep impact on students, educators and colleagues throughout the Mid-America Union and beyond. In the wake of her passing, union leadership and local education leaders prayerfully sought a successor who would continue her commitment to strengthening Adventist education across Mid-America.

Carr, who currently serves as the associate director for education for the Mid-America Union Conference, was affirmed by both education and administrative leaders as the right person to guide the department forward. Her selection reflects a shared confidence in her experience, educational expertise, and passion for nurturing young minds in Adventist classrooms.

“I am deeply honored and excited to serve as director of education,” said Carr. “Adventist education has shaped my life and is my purpose, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside our dedicated leaders and teachers in this next chapter. Together, we will continue Growing in Christ through a journey of learning and excellence—building schools where faith, joy and curiosity guide every step of learning. I look forward to supporting and empowering our leaders and educators as we nurture students who think deeply, lead with compassion, and serve with purpose.”

Carr first joined the Mid-America Union education team as associate director of education on January 1, 2024, filling the position previously held by Gerard Ban, who retired at the end of 2023. Her leadership during that period helped strengthen collaboration between local conference education offices and union-level initiatives, setting the stage for her expanded role as director.

“The Mid-America Union is blessed to have someone of Carisa Carr’s experience and giftedness,” said Gary Thurber, president of the Mid-America Union Conference. “She has a wonderful heart for our young people and has given her life in service for them. Her leadership will bless our schools and our students throughout our territory.”

EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE

A Certified Academic Language Therapist and Literacy Intervention Specialist, Carr is known for her commitment to ensuring that educators are equipped with skills to effectively teach reading and foster strong academic foundations in children. She graduated from Union College (now Union Adventist University) with a degree in psychology and earned a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from East Tennessee State University. Her professional teaching certificate from the North American Division includes multiple endorsements, underscoring her broad expertise in education.

Carr brings a wealth of classroom and administrative experience. Over her career, she has taught or served as an educational leader in several conferences including the Georgia-Cumberland, Rocky Mountain, Washington, and North Pacific Union conferences.

Her leadership within Adventist education extends beyond the classroom. Carr has served on numerous committees, boards and advisories, and has led multiple presentations and workshops empowering educators to bridge research-based practices with classroom realities.

Carr describes herself as a lifelong learner who believes in “the transformational opportunities of the Adventist classroom to meet Jesus every day.” Her enthusiasm for education and her faith-driven perspective align closely with the Mid-America Union’s mission to provide Christ-centered, high-quality education across its schools.

FAITH AND FAMILY

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Carr is deeply rooted in her faith and family. She and her husband, Craig, have two adult children. In her spare time, Carr enjoys spending time with her family, music, reading, and baking—activities that reflect the balance and warmth she brings to both her personal and professional life.

With her appointment, Carr becomes one of the key leaders shaping the future of Adventist education across the Mid-America Union territory. Her experience, vision, and commitment to students and educators continue the legacy of those who came before her—ensuring that the union’s schools remain vibrant places of faith and learning for generations to come.

—Hugh Davis is the Mid-America Union Conference Communication director. Republished with permission from OUTLOOK Adventist News October 24, 2025, article. Photos supplied.