After faithfully completing his five-year term as president and vice chancellor, Dr. Mark Husbands will be concluding his role with Trinity Western University as of June 30, 2024, as he looks forward to exploring new opportunities.
In a message to faculty and staff announcing the presidential transition, Matthew St. John, chair of TWU’s Board of Governors, expressed his gratitude for President Husbands.
“The Board of Governors thanks Dr. Husbands for his service throughout his tenure. The last five years have seen Trinity Western navigate the uncertainty of a global pandemic, respond to the increasing complexity of North American higher education, and strengthen our university’s unwavering commitment to being a Christ-centred, student-focused, innovative, and financially strong institution,” shared St. John.
Reflecting on his time at Trinity Western, Dr. Husbands remarked,
“Serving as president and vice chancellor of Trinity Western University has been an extraordinary privilege. Key to achieving our mission and vision is the excellence, creativity, and unwavering dedication of our faculty and staff. Together, we have positioned the University for a bright future. Guiding students on their journey to discover truth, meaning, identity, calling, and hope within the framework of God’s renewal of all things has been deeply rewarding. I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your steadfast commitment to Trinity Western University and for the honour of serving as your president.”
Recognizing Milestones
Since President Husbands began his tenure on July 1, 2019, the University’s leadership team has seen several areas of significant growth and innovation that span many facets of student development, academic innovation, faith integration, and financial strength that have collectively advanced the mission and vision of Trinity Western University, including:
- establishing an inspiring vision statement to complement its enduring mission statement;
- unveiling a new expression of the institutional brand to express a new brand promise, “Equipped for Life”;
- increasing enrolment to the highest levels in institutional history—an overall increase of 43% since 2018;
- launching a forward-reaching University strategic plan, TWU 2030: Every Graduate Equipped;
- building the state-of-the-art Robert G. Kuhn Centre as a multi-functional facility for students and faculty;
- opening a second TWU Richmond location in Lansdowne in addition to its existing location in Minoru;
- launching its first PhD program, a Doctorate in Nursing, to equip students for health-care leadership;
- creating the inaugural Office of Inclusive Excellence to foster greater inclusion and belonging across campus;
- establishing a new Centre for Calling and Career Development to help students to launch well;
- instituting an annual Day of Learning in a move toward greater reconciliation with our Indigenous community;
- eliminating all outstanding bank debt and reducing total institutional debt by over $4 million;
- investing $49 million in infrastructure to enhance learning spaces and living environments for students; and
- strengthening TWU’s financial position by adding $18 million to the University’s endowment.
Building the Future of TWU
TWU’s Board of Governors and the University’s leadership remain confident about Trinity Western’s future and are committed to advancing the strategic plan and vision.
“As a university, we are committed to building on the TWU 2030: Every Graduate Equipped forward-reaching strategic plan and vision established by the Executive Leadership Team,” St. John continues.
“We earnestly celebrate our ambitious vision that ‘Every graduate is equipped to think truthfully, act justly, and live faithfully for the good of the world and the glory of God.’ From a posture of gratitude and belief, we invite you to continue to embrace and engage in this all-important pursuit wholeheartedly.”
During this period of leadership transition, Provost Dr. Todd Martin will serve as interim president while also continuing in his role as provost.
“Together with all members of the Trinity Western community, the University’s leadership and I will continue to build upon the good work that is already underway in achieving the goals and priorities of our strategic plan. Collectively, we labour to provide an excellent Christian higher-education experience for each one of our students. Equipping students for life will continue to unite us in purpose and focus,” Provost Martin remarked.
Presidential Search
As Dr. Husbands completes his term, the Board of Governors is embarking on a process to identify the next individual who will become Trinity Western University’s sixth president. The board has initiated the presidential search by partnering with CarterBaldwin, a well-respected search firm with significant experience placing senior leaders in Christian institutions.
“No great work can be successful without serious prayer, so please join me in praying fervently regarding this effort,” invited St. John.
“Since our inception in 1962, our Lord Jesus has been faithful to Trinity Western. His faithfulness will continue as we enter our next season as a Christ-exalting university of global distinction.”
The board invites all members of the broader TWU community to join them in expressing their appreciation to Dr. Husbands for his time at TWU by sending a message to: president@twu.ca.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting 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 locations in Canada: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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