R. Neil Snider, PhD

President, Trinity Western University 1974–2006
President Emeritus 2006–2025

As the University's second president, Dr. R. Neil Snider led Trinity Western's development from being a fledgling junior college of 350 students to Canada's premier Christian liberal arts and sciences university. In doing so, Dr. Snider oversaw TWU becoming a full member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC).

Neil Snider earned an education degree from the University of Manitoba and a PhD in educational administration from the University of Oregon. He was also an ordained minister in the Evangelical Free Church of Canada. In the early days of his career, he gained a broad range of leadership experience in education, serving at Providence College in such capacities as chair of general studies, dean of students and academic dean. In 1974, Dr. Snider was appointed president of Trinity Western and committed his life to TWU's mission of developing godly leaders. Over the years, Neil and his wife Marlie welcomed thousands of TWU students into their home and touched countless lives in a personal way.

His visionary direction and emphasis on experiential, “whole-person” education led the institution to become a university that would not merely educate people but develop leaders with integrity and a broad perspective of knowledge for the marketplaces of life. Many milestones were achieved under Dr. Snider’s leadership: in 1979, Trinity Western College was granted a provincial charter to become a four-year degree-granting institution; in 1984, the University was granted full membership in the AUCC; and in 2004, the University received the coveted exempt status from the Degree Quality Assessment Board. Throughout the years, programs and schools were established, strengthening the academic programs of the University. These included the School of Graduate Studies (now with over 20 graduate offerings), the consortium of ACTS Seminaries (now part of the School of Theology—TEDS), the Nursing program (now the School of Nursing), and the Schools of Business, Education, and Human Kinetics.

In 2002, Dr. Snider was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Commemorative Medal in recognition of citizens who have helped create the Canada of today. While presenting the award, Senator St. Germain acknowledged TWU as a University which is “recognized worldwide for the excellent calibre of education that it produces.” Dr. Snider was also awarded honorary doctoral degrees from McMaster University, Tyndale University College, and Briercrest College.

Dr. Snider was Canada’s longest-serving president in the AUCC and was a member of the Council of Western Canadian University Presidents as well as a board member of several charitable organizations.

In 2006 Dr. Snider was honoured with the title of president emeritus at the inauguration of the University’s third president, Jonathan S. Raymond, Ph.D.

Dr. Snider went to be with the Lord in December of 2025, with his dear wife Marlie already in glory.