As of Aug. 1, 2024, Keith Waters is retiring after 48 years in Adventist Education.
Waters first encountered Adventist education in seventh grade when he attended Pine Tree Academy in Maine. He finished high school at South Lancaster Academy in Massachusetts, where he met Deanna Minty, his future wife.
“I knew Keith could teach early on — from high school — as I watched him interact with my little brother, who was a pesky 10-year-old at the time,” Deanna said. “He was so good to him, let him tag along and was always patient. When we worked together at Camp Winnekeag, I saw his commitment to God grow.”
In 1973, Waters left New England for the first time to serve as a student missionary in Zaire. When he returned to study at Atlantic Union College, he pursued elementary education. Upon graduation, Waters got married and became head teacher at New London School in Connecticut. There, Waters attended summer workshops to develop science curricula for multigrade schools. He took students on nature walks and developed a science museum.
Neil Clauson, Forestdale Christian School principal, remembers Waters as his first-grade teacher. “This was my only year in an Adventist school until I actually became a teacher at an Adventist school in 2001,” Clauson wrote. “I loved that school, and I am so glad I was able to be there. A good seed was definitely planted in my heart!”
In 1985, Waters became Cedar Brook Junior Academy principal in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. There, Waters achieved a master’s degree at Eastern Connecticut State University. Waters also taught biology and earth science, piquing students’ interest with a collection of pet snakes. He enjoyed music and could often be found directing the band with one hand while playing trumpet with the other.
In 1990, Waters accepted the position of associate superintendent at Upper Columbia Conference in Spokane, Washington, where he coordinated the UCC Outdoor School program. In 1995, he became superintendent of education.
Holley Bryant, Walla Walla Valley Adventist Schools head of schools, fondly recalls Waters visiting her third-grade class at Harris Junior Academy in Pendleton, Oregon. Bryant shared, “Throughout my student academic life and my adult academic career, Waters has been a personal cheerleader — always supporting and encouraging me.”
In 2007, Waters accepted the position of North Pacific Union secondary education director. Over the past years, Waters has enjoyed visiting NPUC academies, evaluating schools and attending North American Division curriculum committees. He has enjoyed traveling to Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Dominican Republic and Micronesia.
Debbie Hendrickson, NPUC education certification registrar, said she will miss working with Waters. “He’s probably the kindest, most intuitive person in terms of thinking of others I’ve ever worked for.”
While he looks forward to not having to live by a calendar, Waters plans to continue to support Adventist education even after retirement.
“I’ve enjoyed every aspect of my education career, and I believe it is still a mission,” Waters said. “Over 48 years, I’ve learned to rely on God on a daily basis. I’ve seen so many situations where something can’t happen, and through prayer, God has always provided. Where a church has wanted a school, there has always been a way. If we trust God and follow His will, He will provide for us and for our children.”
