Before dedicating over four decades to Union Adventist University as vice president for spiritual life and associate professor of psychology and religion, Pastor Rich Carlson served as Bible teacher and chaplain at Maplewood Academy. Known affectionately by generations of students simply as “Pastor Rich,” he has spent his career mentoring young people, championing missions, and modeling servant leadership. From launching student missionary programs around the world to nurturing spiritual growth through his HeartScan initiative and daily “Good Morning Union” devotionals, Pastor Rich has remained committed to listening, empowering, and walking alongside students in their faith journey. His legacy of love, humility, and mentorship traces its roots back to his formative years of ministry at Maplewood Academy.