The Board of Governors of Trinity Western University are pleased to announce Jonathan S. Raymond, Ph.D., will serve a second five-year term as President.
“The Board is pleased with how Dr. Raymond has guided the university through some very difficult economic and enrollment challenges,” said Jeremy Funk, chair of the Board of Governors. “He leads through transparency, accountability and integrity, and most importantly, he has kept the University community focused on Jesus Christ as its essence.”
Trinity Western University underwent significant changes during Raymond’s first term as President. Key accomplishments include the establishment of a clear strategic direction for the University, the restructuring of the University’s operations, and the board’s transition to a policy governance model. “His ongoing work to develop a solid administrative and faculty team will enable TWU to achieve its Christ-centred mission,” said Funk.
Other notable initiatives include: the $3.3 Million expansion of the Neufeld Science Centre, funded in part with a grant from the federal Knowledge Infrastructure Program; the advancement of athletics through the Langley Events Centre site; securing space to launch a Richmond campus—slated to open in September 2013; the formation of the Aboriginal Partnership Council and designated scholarships for aboriginal students; the creation of the Adult Degree Completion Program and Bellingham Campus, enabling adults to earn their degree while working; and a significant increase in the fundraising capacity of the University parlayed into financial aid for students.
Quality education remained the focus during the last five years. TWU was recognized by the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) as the number one Canadian school in three of five categories, and received its fifth consecutive A+ for “Quality of Education” from the Globe and Mail’s University Report.
“Dr. Raymond’s commitment and vision for TWU as we enter the University’s 50th year will help move the institution forward into its preferred future of becoming a world-class Christian University,” said Funk. “His ability to manage the transformation from vision to action is vital for us to continue our forward momentum.”
“TWU truly is the most remarkable University in Canada,” said Raymond. “Our University is home to some of the world’s most talented and dedicated faculty, staff, and students.” While the last five years were a challenge, personally, he notes, they were a great blessing. “In the next five years, I think God is going to continue to bless the work that we’ve been doing and move the University to even higher ground.”
In addition to a renewed infrastructure, a comprehensive campaign, and a major facelift and beautification of the campus planned over the next five years, Raymond said, “we will maintain a strong emphasis on quality over size and living out our identity as a thoroughly Christ-centered University.”
About Dr. Raymond:
Jonathan S. Raymond was appointed on July 1, 2006, as Trinity Western University’s third President. He earned his BA in Psychology from Asbury College and his MA in Social Psychology (1972) and PhD in Cross-Cultural Psychology (1975) both from the University of Kentucky.
President Raymond served on the faculties of the University of Maryland (1975-76), Arizona State University (1976-1980) and the University of Hawaii (1980-1990). He was Dean of Faculty and Chief Academic Officer at Gordon College in Wenham, MA (1990-1993) and the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Greenville College (1994-1999) in Illinois. Most recently, Dr. Raymond served as President and Vice Chancellor at Booth College (1999-2006) in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Raymond was a research scientist fellow at the National Institute of Mental Health (1972-75). While at the University of Hawaii, Dr. Raymond established and served as Director of the International Centre for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research and taught epidemiology in the Graduate School of Public Health. In addition, in 1986 the royal family of Thailand awarded Dr. Raymond with a medal in recognition of his contribution to the health of the people of Thailand and Asia.
Raymond has served with a variety of boards and organizations, including, The Salvation Army, Hawaii State Department of Health, U.S. Public Health Service, UNICEF, World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control, and Arizona’s Office of the Governor.
Dr. Raymond and his wife Irene have two children. Irene holds an MA and is a professor of Spanish and Latin American Literature.