Presidential Search

In April 2024, Matthew St. John, chair of the Board of Governors, announced that the University would embark on a process to identify the next individual who will become Trinity Western's sixth president—calling upon Leighton Friesen, board treasurer and TWU alumnus, to chair a Presidential Search Committee comprised of diverse representatives from among the TWU community, including governors, faculty, and staff. 

To advance the search, Trinity Western has partnered with CarterBaldwin, a well-respected executive search firm with significant experience placing senior leaders in Christian institutions, who will work with the presidential search committee to identify a candidate who will faithfully steward Trinity Western’s mission, vision, and strategic plan, TWU 2030: Every Graduate Equipped.

The search began with an invitation for staff and faculty to attend listening sessions and participate in a community-wide employee survey to help inform and shape the position profile. The Presidential Search Committee chair and a representative from CarterBaldwin also conducted a listening session with students to understand their perspectives concerning the next president of Trinity Western. 

The Presidential Search Committee worked closely with CarterBaldwin to develop a comprehensive presidential profile that reflects the community’s input and outlines the qualities we seek in our next president. You can view the presidential profile by following the link below. If you have a candidate that you would like to recommend for the position, please direct them to CarterBaldwin.

Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers as we navigate this vital process. Together, we trust in God’s provision for a leader who will uphold our vision to equip every graduate to think truthfully, act justly, and live faithfully for the good of the world and the glory of God.

The Presidential Search Committee, chaired by Leighton Friesen, board treasurer and TWU alumnus, is comprised of diverse representatives from our TWU community, including governors, faculty, and staff (listed alphabetically by first name):

• Aklilu Mulat, Executive Vice President & CFO
• Bill Taylor, Governor
• Carissa Youssef, Board Vice Chair
• Dr. Chen Liu, Professor of Business; Director, MBA Programs
• Clayton Tuffnell, Governor
• Jeff Gamache, Director of Athletics
• Dr. Jennifer Adkins, Vice President, Inclusive Excellence
• Julie Kerr, Governor
• Leighton Friesen, Committee Chair, Board Treasurer
• Dr. Myron Penner, Professor of Philosophy; MAIH Philosophy Stream Coordinator; Director, Anabaptist-Mennonite Centre for Faith & Learning
• William Francis, Board Secretary