Steve Bradley, Class of 1998

Steve Bradley, born in Cleburne, Texas, is a dedicated educator and family man. With over two decades of experience, Steve’s passion for mentoring youth is evident in his work at Keene Adventist Elementary School. He holds a bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Southwestern Adventist University and a master’s in Outdoor Education from Southern Adventist University. 

Steve’s highlights of his time at Southwestern include touring with the gymnastic team, camping trips with friends, cramming for finals with friends and playing football on the beach in Brownsville during a gymnastic trip. Reflecting on his time here, he says, “I gained a passion for education and working with young people that led me to my calling as an educator.” 
Steve’s commitment to excellence has earned him multiple awards, including Educator of the Year from the Keene Chamber of Commerce in 2008 and 2022, and the Excellence in Teaching Award from the Southwestern Union Conference in 2012.

Steve shares nearly 25 years of marriage with his wife, Jan, and together they have three sons, Jake, Nate, and Sam. Outside of work, Steve enjoys restoring old cars and spending quality time with his family. 

In sharing his Southwestern alumni call to action, Steve says, “Embrace the spirit of excellence, for it is the cornerstone of our journey at Southwestern. As alumni, let us be the ambassadors of passion, knowledge, and service, embodying the values that define our alma mater and inspire other to reach new heights.”

Lili Gil Valletta, Class of 1999

Lili is a former corporate executive turned award-winning entrepreneur, investor and TED speaker. She is the Co-Founder and CEO of Culture+ Group, a market research, strategy and inclusive marketing conglomerate- including CIEN+, The Choice+ and Human Dot Plus, and is listed by the Inc. 5000 as one of America's Fastest Growing Privately-owned companies. Her Cultural Intelligence® Family of Companies, work with the world's most iconic corporations and brands that want to successfully understand how to tap into the power of culture and diverse markets to drive business growth. She is a frequent television business contributor seen on Fox Business, among others, and a sought after advisor to C-level executives and a committed supporter to the Hispanic community as a trustee and scholarship provider at the Hispanic Serving Institution, Southwestern Adventist University. 

“My American Dream would not be real without Keene, TX as the first place where my American experience started. As a young international student from Colombia who came to learn english as part of the ESL program, I never ever thought SWAU would be the foundation and springboard for me to later go to the University of Colorado and the Harvard Kennedy School, becoming a corporate executive then entrepreneur. It was all built on the foundation, faith, and learnings of SWAU. Reflecting on my time at Southwestern Adventist University, it was more than just an academic journey; it was a pivotal chapter in my life where I embraced my identity as an immigrant and one of the few Latinas on campus at the time- ironically that looks very different 25+ years later as an Hispanic Serving Institution. This unique position inspired me to serve not only as a student but as a cultural ambassador. My experience highlighted the importance of educating others about my culture and background, showcasing it as a competitive advantage and a differentiator. This role of cultural educator was not just confined to the campus boundaries; it has permeated every aspect of my professional life. Today, in all my keynotes, TED talks, and business meetings, I always reference my transformative experience at SWAU. It was the place that not only welcomed me into the U.S. but also ignited in me a cultural curiosity and the impetus to help others understand the power of culture.” She continues, “SWAU taught me to see cultural diversity as a strength beyond stereotypes, a lesson that has been fundamental in my journey of breaking barriers and building bridges in the global marketplace. My time at Southwestern was instrumental in shaping my perspective on the world, teaching me to appreciate the richness of our differences and to leverage them as sources of innovation and growth. While on campus I was also able to exercise my leadership as the head of SIFE (today ENACTUS) as part of the first ever varsity cheerleading squad and someone always involved in business presentations and entrepreneurship.”
 

"My journey from the humble beginnings at Southwestern Adventist University to boardrooms, national television and global stages I stand on today is a testament to the notion that it's not about where you start your journey but how and where you finish. The size of the campus did not limit the magnitude of its impact on my life; instead, it served as a nurturing ground for growth, learning, and inspiration. Southwestern taught me that our early steps are not just preliminary motions but the foundation and springboard for our future endeavors, and ultimately it’s all about bettering your best where and when you are present, NOW.” 
 
“The experiences, challenges, and triumphs I encountered there have propelled me to heights I once thought unreachable. Let this be a reminder to us all, especially to our alumni and current students, that the impact we generate in the world is not measured by our beginnings but by the strength of our foundations and the boldness of our aspirations. That they are fueled by our faith, by a purpose bigger than ourselves and the reassurance that we serve the best investor, CEO and leader ever, the Creator of the Universe! Southwestern's seemingly small community has the power to produce individuals capable of creating significant waves of change, just as it did in my life. It's a celebration of how, from modest seeds, great forests can grow."

Francisco Ortiz, Class of 2014

Francisco Javier Ortiz is a licensed mental health therapist. He resides in Houston, Texas, alongside his wife, Karen Elizabeth Garza Ortiz (also a Southwestern alumnus), and two children, Elizabeth Mia Ortiz (7 years old) and Francisco Azarias Daniel Ortiz (5 years old). Currently, he serves as Director of Behavioral Health for District Counseling, a counseling and psychiatric clinic Francisco and Karen founded in 2018. A major part of the practice has been working with the immigration population by conducting evaluations for victims of violent crimes, human trafficking, and domestic violence.  He shares, “It has been humbling to work with this population.” 

He is a licensed clinical professional counselor in the states of Texas, California, Florida, and Pennsylvania. A National Certified Counselor and a Texas State Supervisor for associate therapists. In addition, he has worked with numerous universities providing clinical supervision to graduate students in their practicum and internship experiences. 

Reflecting on his experience, Francisco says, “After founding District Counseling, I sought to find ways to serve the Adventist community and help fight the stigma surrounding mental health and the church.”  He began by volunteering at a local Adventist church under their health ministry clinic then volunteering at Houston Adventist Academy providing free counseling services. Overtime with the collaboration of several local pastors, they were able to establish a bridge between the Church and mental health services. He says, “It has been amazing to have such great support from our pastors who truly have become mental health advocates in the Houston area. The need for mental health services continues to increase to this day.”

Today District Counseling has 10 locations with over 50 clinical mental health therapists providing various psychological and psychiatric services, including a grant funded school-based counseling program in collaboration with Houston Adventist Academy making mental health easily accessible to our students. District Counseling is projected to have 15 locations by the end of 2024 and will be expanding to the Dallas- Fort Worth area in 2024.

“I give God the Honor and Glory for this ministry of healing minds. From day one I have truly believed that every individual, couple, and family that sits on my couch is a divine appointment. My constant prayer is that my clients are able to see Christ in me.”

Francisco believes that Adventist education has played an instrumental role in his professional development. He shares, “Southwestern Adventist University prepared me to be where I am today. It was the professors at Southwestern Adventist University who inspired my love for the field of psychology and to view my work as a ministry. I am forever grateful to Dr. Marcel Sargeant, Dr. Mark Aldridge, Dr. Ruth DePaiva, and Mrs. Nancy Giraldo who all shaped me into the professional I am today. Each one of these professors gave me the tools to succeed in this field.” 

Reflecting on what he has gained from Southwestern and how it prepared him to follow God’s plan in his life, he says, “Southwestern helped me identify my strengths and developed my leadership skills, but most importantly, I was prepared to place God in the center of my life. I never make a move until God approves.”

He believes, “The beginning of wisdom is truly the fear of the Lord. If we start at the right place, then all else will align accordingly to God’s will. My right place was Southwestern Adventist University.”

Dr. Tessa Bryan, Class of 2009

Dr. Tessa Bryan has committed her life’s work to increasing access to education and technology for all students regardless of socioeconomic status. As a first-generation college student, she intimately understands the unique challenges students can face while pursuing education.

Dr. Bryan is a Cleburne and graduate of Cleburne High School (Class of 2005). She attended Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) in Keene, Texas where she graduated with a Bachelor of Marketing in 2009 and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Management. While attending Southwestern, she developed a passion for higher education administration while serving as Assistant to the Dean of Students. Dr. Bryan shared some of her favorite Southwestern memories: attending Afterglow and University Church, opportunities where one could experience God’s presence with friends. She reflects, “It’s hard to replicate those times: worshiping with friends, ministering with friends – a beautiful student led worship experience.”

After graduating, Dr. Bryan transitioned to Hill College where she worked in the Continuing Education and Dual Credit Department. In 2013, she accepted a position as an Outreach Student Financial Aid Counselor with Tarleton State University in Fort Worth, Texas. During her tenure, Dr. Bryan was instrumental in assisting students from the university’s Midlothian, Waco, and Fort Worth campuses complete the financial aid process each semester. She also assisted in the planning and execution of orientation and recruitment targeting local community college students in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. In 2016, Dr. Bryan transitioned into the role of Graduate Advisor and Program Manager and Instructor for the College of Business Administration. 

While working at Tarleton, Dr. Bryan decided she wanted to fulfill an important personal dream for herself and her family. In 2019 she earned her Doctorate of Educational Leadership and Technology from Tarleton State University, thus becoming the first in her family earn a doctorate degree. Her research foci include African American women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, student integration, and instructional design. She served as the Assistant Director of Academic Services in the School of Public Health at the UNT Health Science Center (HSC) where she was recognized as the 2023 Outstanding Staff Member. 

Currently, Dr. Tessa Bryan is an Instructional Designer in the Division of Academic Innovation at the UNT HSC. Her work consists of designing online graduate health education while prioritizing human centeredness as a means of fostering a sense of belonging among educators and students. Dr. Bryan is also a member of the Tarrant County Chapter of the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education (TABPHE) where she served on the board of directors for a two-year term. 

Dr. Bryan enjoys volunteering, traveling, and the arts. She has volunteered for several DFW organizations including the East Cleburne Community Center, Johnson County's Goatneck Bike Ride, Tarrant Area Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, and Girls, Inc. 

Dr. Bryan shares of her love for service, “Working in various offices on the Southwestern campus, to closing the gym after late night pick-up basketball games, and volunteering events, I developed a love for service. Southwestern taught me that life is so much more fulfilling when you serve others. That’s been a guiding principle in my career and relationships.” 

Dr. Bryan’s Alumni Quote: 
What time is it? KNIGHT TIME!
What’re we going to do? PUT ‘EM TO SLEEP!  (You had to be there;)

Chad was born in British Columbia Canada and spent the first 9 years of his life living with his parents and younger sister on what nowadays is considered an off-grid homestead.  His parents had bought the property planning to move away from the city and raise their children in the country. Chad spent these years exploring the great outdoors enjoying hiking, fishing learning about God’s creation in the uninhabited forest surrounding his home. Although the family still owns the old homestead, he has never lived there for any extended length of time after those first years, as God had other plans for his life.

The life that Chad was accustomed to was to change drastically one summer, after his family attended a camp meeting.  It was where his parents attended some meetings, learning of the need for missionaries in Micronesia, they felt the Lord was calling them to this work so, and applied to go as missionaries.  For the next eight years his family served as missionaries in places like the island of Palau, Namu Namu, which is a remote island in the Marshall Islands, and they spent time in The Gambia West Africa, where Chad’s dad worked for ADRA. 

When Chad was 17 years old his parents moved back to Canada due to medical issues.  It is then he attended Bella Coola Adventist Academy to finish high school.  After high school, Chad’s plans and God’s plans differed greatly. His plans consisted going into the logging business, but God had other plans for his life.  The night before Chad was to start work, he was impressed he should continue his education.  Years later he found out that his parents had been praying earnestly that he would change his mind and continue his education.  Chad decided to attend Canadian Union College now known as Burman University. After spending one winter with temps at -20 degrees F for six weeks, Chad realized this was not his cup of tea. 

After the first year at Canadian Union College, Chad decided to go as a student missionary to the island of Kosrae in the Federated States of Micronesia.  Here, he taught seventh and eighth grade math and science.  It was also the place where he realized teaching was not for him.  It was also here that he learned about Southwestern Adventist College through his sister who was attending at that time. He strategically applied to several colleges and universities below a certain latitude, figuring temperatures would be warmer.  Southwestern was the only institution that accepted him to both the institution and the department in which he wanted to study and as they say the rest is history.   

Dr. Johnson shares of his experience at Southwestern, “My decision to attend Southwestern (SAC) was all God’s plan. My first year was spent studying, working on the Chan Shun library to pay for tuition and adjusting to Texas.  It was also at Southwestern where I met my wife Landy Anglada (’88 SAC grad) and we were married on December 17, 1994.  After graduation we decided to stay in the area and raise a family.  Our daughters Lindsey (’20 SWAU grad) and Kelsey (’22 SWAU grad) both of which studied at KAES, CTA, and ultimately chose to attend SWAU.”

In reflecting what he has gained from Southwestern and how it prepared him for God’s plan in his life he says, “My time at Southwestern prepared me not only spiritually, it also developed my sense of community service.  Since graduating, I have participated in multiple medical/construction mission trips to Panama, Peru, and the Dominican Republic; I have active plans to participate in a mission trip to Cuba.  I have Served on various school and church boards, and community outreach projects.  I have also had the privilege to participate in several local projects: my favorite of which is helping my wife with her ministry providing Sabbath School Cradle Roll programs for the children in the Keene SDA Church.  Southwestern also prepared me academically with a strong undergraduate nursing degree which was a great foundation to build upon for future graduate studies, which included an MSN in 2001 with certification as a nurse practitioner and a doctoral degree in 2014.”  For many years Chad has  practiced full-time in emergency departments.  He recently cut back to part-time to focus on providing compassionate Christian care as a locum health care provider in remote locations in Montana and Alaska.  He has also been adjunct faculty, guest lecturer, and clinical instructor for Southwestern, Texas Tech, University of Texas at Arlington and Baylor University.  

Dr. Johnson shares, “I can truly say Southwestern was the place for me it made me into the person I am today, and for that I am truly thankful. I am proud to call Southwestern my Alma Mater.”

In 1988 Landy transferred from Antillean College in Puerto Rico to Southwestern Adventist College (SAC) to finish my degree. I remember my first winter in Texas - having come from a tropical island, I had only known moderate temperatures year around and didn’t own a single pair of jeans. Walking through campus on chilly winter morning, a new classmate of mine asked why I didn’t have a jacket - I awkwardly responded that I didn’t own one. He immediately called his sister who very kindly donated some warmer clothes for me to wear during the winter months. From that moment on, I knew I had found a home at Southwestern.
It was at Southwestern that I finished my degree in elementary education in 1990 and quickly tracked into a career that led to a completion of a master’s degree in special education with emphasis in Educational Diagnostician in 1998 at the University of North Texas. Southwestern provided the tools for my profession but it gave me so much more than than; shortly after graduating, I met a young man who had come from Canada to pursue a degree in nursing. We tied the knot in December 1994, and had two beautiful daughters, Lindsey ('20) and Kelsey ('22), both SWAU graduates currently pursuing higher education at Arizona State University and Loma Linda University.
Having a heart of children's ministries, I have dedicated the last 24 years to teaching Cradle Roll Sabbath School at the Keene Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Together with my husband, Chad (’94) I have been involved Adventures and Pathfinders, as leaders, teachers, and supportive parents.
I truly believe that Southwestern Adventist University creates a space of service by first providing a home for the heart.

Born in Brazil to missionary parents Tina has lived all over the world from Arizona to Hawaii to Montana to Alabama, and Mississippi. Tina landed in Keene, TX, at Southwestern Adventist College, after serving in Thailand as a student missionary and later became the Student Missions Director. In addition, she also managed a gospel choir for years traveling with them to San Francisco, San Diego, Washington, DC and New York City.   
 
On staff at Southwestern Adventist University, Tina served in the Counseling Center for almost 12 years and later moved to the Enrollment Office where is serving as Guest Relations and Communications Coordinator.  
 
Being in these two departments at Southwestern has given Tina an opportunity to meet and really get to know many of Southwestern students over the years. She shares of this experience, “The best part of working at Southwestern has been seeing the students come and go through the years and then having the ability to see them later as teachers, lawyers, doctors, etc.  I’ve bumped into many of them in churches and at conventions.  It’s always fun reminiscing with them about their college experience at Southwestern.” 

Reflecting on what she has gained from her world travels and how it relates to Southwestern and how it prepared her to follow God’s plan in her life, she states, “I have gained friends all over the world.  Our world is even smaller because of working here and getting to know people from all over.”

Randy Roberts was born in South America to missionary parents Bob and Bettye Roberts. Until college age, most of his life was spent in Latin America. Randy graduated from Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas, in 1981 with a major in Theology and a minor in Modern Languages. For over five years he was a pastor in the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. During this time, he completed a Master of Divinity degree from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan. He graduated in 1985.

In 1987, he began work as a chaplain at Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) in Loma Linda, California. For over seven years he provided patient and staff support, spiritual care and counseling. He was also instrumental in establishing and leading a grief recovery program for LLUMC. During this time, he completed a Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Alliant International University in San Diego, California. He is licensed as a marriage and family therapist in California.

Randy began teaching full-time with the Loma Linda University (LLU) School of Religion in early 1994. While there, he worked as Associate Professor of Theology and Ministry and served as the Associate Dean for the School of Religion. In 1996, he completed his studies and graduated with a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. While with the School of Religion, he also served on the pastoral staff of the Corona Seventh-day Adventist Church, (from 1996–2000), the latter part of that time serving as the senior pastor.

In September of 2000, he began his duties as the senior pastor of the Loma Linda University Church of Seventh-day Adventists in Loma Linda, California. In 2016, he also began serving as Vice President for Spiritual Life and Mission for Loma Linda University Health (LLUH).
Randy has spoken to many and varied audiences both nationally and internationally; written articles for various publications; and authored one book for Pacific Press, entitled, Waiting and Longing (formerly published as, The End is Near [Again]).

Randy is married to Anita (Justiniano) Roberts, also a graduate from SWAU, who works for the Southeastern California Conference of SDA in Clergy Spouse Care. She also serves part-time as a pastor in the senior ministry of LLUC. She holds a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry degree from the SDA Theological Seminary at Andrews University.

Randy and Anita have a son named Austin, pastor of the Dayton Stillwater SDA Church, in Dayton, OH, who also works as a chaplain with the Kettering Health Network (KHN). Nicole, his spouse, is an obstetrics and gynecology physician for the KHN. Miranda, their daughter, is a philanthropy writer for LLUH and a master’s student in English at Chapman College, whose husband Matthew Cosaert is a dental student at LLU.