Trinity Western University, Canada’s largest Christian University, with campuses in Langley and Richmond, British Columbia, as well as programs in Ottawa, Ontario, Bellingham, Washington and China, announced today that its President, Bob Kuhn, who is beginning his sixth year in the role, will continue to serve in his current position until April 30, 2019.
With respect to this announcement Bob said “My past five years at TWU have been some of the most fulfilling and challenging of my life. The decision to leave did not come easily, as I have a great love for this school and a deep commitment to its mission. That will not change.”
Bob confirmed in his March 8 “State of the University” address to faculty, staff and students that his decision was not based upon the fact that he continues to battle Parkinson’s disease. “I have been blessed with very slow progression of the disease” he said. “I can say with all sincerity that I have been led to the conclusion that I need to give notice of my intention to step aside to permit the Board to identify new leadership because I think it is the right thing to do and the right time to do it. Pending identification of the woman or man who will serve as the next president of Trinity Western University, it is my intention to finish well by focusing on key priorities and initiatives.”
Trinity Western’s Board of Governors has begun the presidential search process by retaining Carter Baldwin, a search firm with global reach and significant experience in the placement of senior leadership in Christian institutions. The Board of Governors have elected to act as a committee of the whole. Because of the diversity of membership now serving on the Board of Governors, there will be representation from all key constituencies, including donors, alumni, staff, faculty, senior administration, churches and students. This “search committee” will be chaired by Fred Fleming, a member of the Board of Governors and chair of the Board’s Finance Committee.
Lorne Jacobson, Chair of the Board of Governors for Trinity Western University, said, “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude for the dedicated leadership President Kuhn has provided to TWU over the past five years, and which leadership we look forward to continuing over this next year of seamless transition. Bob’s relational and transparent style established a level of trust and goodwill that has facilitated tremendous growth and strength in our organization, which will now enable us to confidently recruit our next president into an enticing opportunity. We pray for and anticipate God’s continued blessing on TWU, and on our presidential search process, as we seek to identify the man or woman that God will use to champion TWU through its next exciting chapter.”
Kuhn stated, “I am very pleased with the progress that has been made by Trinity Western to date. We have a very strong base of leadership among faculty and staff. Due to their efforts, blessed by our God, we can give thanks for the growth in our enrolment, the increase in donation support, the completion of a number of capital projects, including last year’s Skidmore Hall, improvement in faculty and staff compensation, and responsible budgeting while holding the line on undergraduate tuition increases. As I look forward to the future I see unprecedented potential for both broadening and deepening the mission and impact of Trinity Western.”
For more information please contact:
External Relations, Trinity Western University
Tel: 604-513-3844
Email: presidentialsearch@twu.ca