Hall of Fame
Ken and Joan Austin founded Newberg-based dental manufacturer, A-dec in 1964. There, Austin invented an air-operated saliva evacuator that revolutionized the dental industry. Inventions like this, combined with an ongoing commitment to excellence in design and customer satisfaction, propelled A-dec to one of the largest manufacturers of dental equipment in the U.S. and the second largest in the world.
In addition to his deep roots in Newberg, Austin has a longstanding friendship with George Fox and President Robin Baker. He has served on the Board of Trustees since 1982 and donated 23 acres of land to the university for the Austin Sports Complex, now home to the Bruin soccer teams and lacrosse team. He also recently donated his beautiful home atop Parrett Mountain for use as a spiritual retreat center. In an interview about this gift, Austin said, “I came to realize that everything belongs to God. Joan and I had 41 wonderful years of living on the hill. This is an opportunity to give that land and house back to God.”
George Fox University is proud to call Austin a friend and welcome him into the Hall of Fame.
