“I’ve longed to be at an institution that finds joy in providing a transformative educational experience, where Christ is the centre but there are open borders. All are welcome to come and learn — and in so doing, to encounter a people who joyfully demonstrate the intellectual coherence, freedom and love of the Gospel.”
— TWU President Mark Husbands
When President Mark Husbands thinks of TWU, he thinks of the students and graduates.
“I believe the needs of the world are so great – so complex and so demanding – that we need a University like this: a University that trains its students so well, that they have the intellectual, emotional, social, intercultural, linguistic, technical and spiritual maturity to demonstrate transformational servant leadership.”
A Christian vision of leadership
In 2019, TWU’s Board of Governors selected President Husbands to be the University’s fifth president — the unanimous choice among 160 candidates and 3 finalists.
Upon receiving the news, President Husbands called his wife Rebekah. “You’ll never believe this," he said. "But we’re going to Vancouver.”
Among the top reasons that drew President Husbands to TWU was the quality of its students — a quality to which he credits TWU’s educators and supporters.
“The work of TWU happens because of the rich network of people who have invested so much in its mission to develop godly Christian leaders…(who) have a vision of leadership that is informed by deep commitment to Christ.”
“I have longed to serve a school that with integrity, dogged determination and unquenchable hope, pursues excellence with deep Christian commitment and moral fortitude."
A University of ‘dogged determination and unquenchable hope’
President Mark Husbands was educated in Canada, first at York University in Toronto, and later at the University of St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto, where he obtained his doctorate in Christian theology. He then served several distinguished teaching and leadership roles in the U.S., including being the first occupant of the Leonard and Marjorie Maas Chair of Reformed Theology at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and serving as the Chief Academic Officer at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa.
“You see, the world, the country — our local community, schools, hospitals, NGOs, legislative offices, athletic programs and churches — need the kind of students that graduate from TWU."
Still, he had an unfulfilled dream.
“I have longed to serve a school that with integrity, dogged determination and unquenchable hope, pursues excellence with deep Christian commitment and moral fortitude,” said President Husbands during his inaugural message.
“I’ve longed to be at an institution that finds joy in providing a transformative educational experience, where Christ is the centre but there are open borders. All are welcome to come and learn — and in so doing, to encounter a people who joyfully demonstrate the intellectual coherence, freedom and love of the Gospel,” he said.
“TWU is exactly this kind of university.”
Serving Christ, enriching the world
President Husbands believes that there is no greater vision than helping students to know and love God with their whole body, mind, and soul.
“It’s the vision of serving Christ,” he said.
Here at TWU, President Husbands is inspired by students who, with integrity, seek opportunities to lead, and to offer their gifts in the service of projects and challenges small and great.
“You see, the world, the country — our local community, schools, hospitals, NGOs, legislative offices, athletic programs and churches — need the kind of students that graduate from TWU,” he said.
A new vision for the common good
This past Spring semester, 774 Trinity Western graduands marked their milestone in a virtual ceremony.
Speaking of his hopes for TWU graduates, President Husbands said, “Canada, U.S. and the world at large will be all the richer for their service and commitment to the common good.”
Earlier this year, President Husbands and the leadership of TWU unveiled a new vision statement for the University: Every graduate is equipped to think truthfully, act justly, and live faithfully for the good of the world and the glory of God.
“TWU exists to raise up other leaders....It exists to glorify the God of the gospel – by graduating Christians with thoroughly Christian minds, who, because of God’s call upon their lives, because of God’s gifting, seek to make a profound, positive and lasting impact on society at large.”
In pursuit of this new vision, President Husbands joins hands with TWU’s talented faculty, staff and supporters. Addressing the TWU community, he said:
“TWU exists in no small measure because of your investment. An investment of time, treasure and talent in support of this University. As University President, allow me to thank you. Your prayer and sacrifices, your unending devotion to the University, is a source of tremendous joy and comfort,” he said.
“Your many sacrifices have enabled this University to face the second decade of the 21st century with wind in its sails. It is well positioned to flourish in the future.”
The enduring calling and mission of a global Christian University
As TWU emerges stronger from the pandemic as a more Christ-centered, student-focused, innovative University, President Husbands’ thoughts remain on our reason for being.
“TWU exists to raise up other leaders,” he said.
“…(Leaders) with thoroughly Christian minds, to glorify God through fulfilling the great commission, by serving God and people in the various marketplaces of life."
“It exists to glorify the God of the Gospel – by graduating Christians with thoroughly Christian minds, who, because of God’s call upon their lives, because of God’s gifting, seek to make a profound, positive and lasting impact on society at large.”
“This,” said President Husbands, “is a calling worthy of our greatest care, dedication and sacrifice.”
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to establish meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four campuses and locations: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vital faith community committed to forming leaders to have a transformational impact on culture. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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