The Trinity Western University community honours the life and legacy of Dr. R. Neil Snider—our longest‑serving president, a transformational leader, and a man whose faith shaped not only an institution, but generations of students, staff, faculty, alumni, and friends. For 32 years, from 1974 to 2006, Dr. Snider guided TWU from a small junior college of 350 students into a nationally recognized Christian liberal arts and sciences university rooted in excellence, integrity, and Christ‑centred purpose.
A mother’s lifelong impact
Dr. Snider has been described as a dreamer, a visionary, and a pioneer. Though true, these descriptions lack the essence of deep faith that was the foundation for his life and all his endeavours. Dr. Snider didn’t just have faith—he believed in miracles. And he didn’t just believe in miracles because of his faith; he believed in miracles because he was the son of one.
Over the years, many heard Dr. Snider tell the story of his mother. At a young age, she was struck with tuberculosis of the spine and was left paralyzed in most of her body. She formed a deep love for Jesus while in hospital, and despite being strapped to a frame for four years, she was filled with the joy of the Lord. She became known as Happy Anne. However, with her health in decline, the day arrived when the doctors told her parents that she likely wouldn’t make it. The doctors did not see coming what was about to happen.
Through a revelation from God’s Word (Luke 13:10–12) and by the power of the Holy Spirit, Happy Anne was miraculously instantly healed—the very day she’d prayed to be taken home to be with the Lord! Her miracle didn’t stop there, though. The doctors, who were amazed yet completely dumbfounded, cautioned her that she wouldn’t be able to have children. The story writes itself at this point. After marrying Elmer Snider several years later, Anne had two children: Neil and Caroll.
That miracle established Dr. Snider as one who took God at his Word and who believed that nothing was impossible for the Almighty. And Happy Anne, who kept the nickname, lived 93 years on this earth. Dr. Snider tells her story in the opening pages of his book, Against All Odds . . . Trinity Western University: 1974 to 2006—to the praise of His glory.
(R) 1970s, Dr. Neil Snider, Craig Seaton, Doug Sneath, and another reviewing a scale model of the Trinity Western Campus.
Paving the way
Under Dr. Snider’s leadership, TWU navigated extraordinary milestones that set the trajectory of the institution for decades to come. In 1979, Trinity Western College received its provincial charter to grant four‑year degrees, and in 1984, Trinity Western University was accepted as a full member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada—formal recognition of academic quality and institutional credibility. In 2004, TWU achieved exempt status from the Degree Quality Assessment Board, reflecting trust in the University’s rigorous academic standards. These achievements were expressions of Dr. Snider’s conviction that Christian education could be both deeply faithful and academically excellent. His leadership is woven into the very history of the University.
Dr. Snider’s vision for TWU was always centred on people. He believed education was about forming whole individuals—mind, heart, and character—so that graduates would serve in the marketplaces of life with integrity and compassion. His commitment to this vision led to the creation and strengthening of key academic programs and schools, including the School of Graduate Studies, ACTS Seminaries, the Nursing program, and the Schools of Business, Education, and Human Kinetics. Through this development, he ensured that TWU would be a place where students discover both knowledge and calling.
(R) 1989, Dr. Snider standing behind the podium during a graduation ceremony
Always welcoming. Ever faithful.
Dr. Snider brought warmth to every interaction, embodying the heart of a pastor and the discernment of a scholar. Graduates who knew Dr. Snider remember his hospitality as vividly as his leadership. There were occasions when the entire freshman class would be invited to the Sniders’ house for ice cream, for instance. This was a unique privilege for students and a time where Dr. Snider and his lovely wife, the late Mrs. Marlie Snider, spent time getting to know students as individuals with individual stories and dreams. Over the years, Dr. and Mrs. Snider welcomed thousands of students into their home.
An ordained minister in the Evangelical Free Church of Canada and a graduate of the University of Manitoba and the University of Oregon, Dr. Snider lived out his vocation with humility and steadfast faith. Beyond TWU, his contributions were recognized across Canada. He was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 for his service to the nation, and he served among the country’s leading voices in higher education, including as the longest‑serving president within the AUCC.
As we honour Dr. Snider’s remarkable life, we thank God for the faith, vision, courage, and unwavering commitment he had to developing godly leaders. Dr. Snider taught us that faithfulness over time becomes legacy. And his legacy lives on—in this campus, in its people, and in the countless lives changed because he believed God could and would move mountains against all odds.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students for life. Uniting faith and reason through Christian teaching and scholarship, TWU is a research institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in the humanities and sciences as well as in several professional schools. TWU has its main campus in Langley, B.C. and campus sites in Richmond, B.C. and Ottawa, Ont.
Learn more at twu.ca or follow @TrinityWestern on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. For media inquiries, please contact media@twu.ca.