New Superintendent of Education Joins Ohio Team

I am humbled to be asked to lead our education family here in Ohio,” says Ken Knudsen, newly appointed superintendent of education. “The number-one goal of Adventist education is to share the love of Jesus with our children.”

Story by Heidi Shoemaker, Ohio Conference

Knudsen joins the Ohio Conference team after their exhaustive search for a permanent superintendent. He brings a variety of experiences to the position, including teacher, assistant mens dean, chaplain, vice principal and principal. Prior to this appointment, Knudsen served at Spring Valley Academy (SVA) in Centerville as their guidance counselor and senior Bible instructor. “I look forward to getting acquainted with all the teachers and staff throughout Ohio, and putting together a plan using their ideas to make Ohio the best place to educate our children,” he says.

“Those that know him and his work tell me he’s very good with both students and administration,” says Ron Halvorsen Jr., Ohio Conference president. “He sees education as evangelism and discipleship.”

Knudsen started his new role before the new school year began. Many may know his wife of nearly 25 years, Lisa, a nursing professional development specialist at Kettering Adventist HealthCare’s Sycamore Medical Center in Dayton. His daughter, Kate, is an incoming SVA fifth-grader. Her biggest interest in her dad’s new job is “if he will be in charge of setting snow days.”

Knudsen replaces Carole Smith, who successfully served as interim superintendent since last September.