The Trinity Western University Board of Governors is pleased to announce that Bob Kuhn, a Trinity alumnus (‘72), long-time supporter of the University and Chair of the Leadership Advisory Council for the School of Business, has accepted the appointment of Interim President, effective July 1, 2013.
“I’m excited to play a bigger role in helping my alma mater at a time when higher education faces significant challenges. Trinity has played such a huge role in my life, I look forward to giving something back” said Bob Kuhn. “I’m honoured that the Board of Governors has entrusted me with the opportunity to speak into the life of the University, interacting with its faculty, staff, students, and alumni at this particularly important time.”
A graduate of UBC School of Law and a practicing lawyer for 33 years, Kuhn is no stranger to leadership at Trinity Western. He served as Student-Body President from 1971-72 and, in 2001, Kuhn led TWU’s legal team all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada successfully defending TWU’s Teacher Education Program and overturning contrary decisions made by the BC College of Teachers. In 2012, Kuhn served as President of the TWU Alumni Association.
“Trinity Western serves a unique and important role in the pluralistic landscape of Canada—and it performs that role with distinction,” said Kuhn. “I can’t think of a more important educational institution in the country in terms of tangibly defining Christian higher education. The University’s contribution to the dialogue about academic excellence and religious freedom in higher education constitutes a valuable part of Canadian culture.”
In 2012, the TWU Board of Governors conferred on Kuhn an honorary Doctor of Laws in recognition of his service to the University that has spanned over three decades and contributed to the leadership of each of TWU’s three presidents,. “Bob Kuhn is a wonderful example of what Trinity Western University is all about,” said President Jonathan S. Raymond, who is stepping down in June. “Bob Kuhn is a person of the highest integrity and Christian character, a godly leader devoted to making a positive difference in the lives of others.”
The Board is confident that, over the coming months, while the broadly representative President Search Committee seeks to identify potential candidates for the University’s next leader, the University’s needs will be well served by Kuhn’s proven leadership skills, relationship-building focus, and demonstrated commitment to keeping Christ at the centre of TWU’s mission. By relying on the existing administrative team to manage the day-to-day workings of the University, the Interim President role will enable Kuhn to continue part-time with his legal practice at Kuhn LLP.
Kuhn says he is committed to being an encouragement to faculty, staff and students, as well as enlisting alumni and financial supporters to find creative ways to reengage with the University community. “My approach is relational,” said Kuhn. “To me, it’s less about the presidency and more about building relationships with the broad spectrum of constituents that form the Trinity community. I want to hear from people who have a desire to help TWU remain what it is called to be—a premiere Christian university that is passionately committed to developing godly Christian leaders for the marketplaces of life. I look forward to listening to faculty, staff, students, alumni, financial supporters, and parents.” Kuhn will also represent the University in its relationships with external organizations and governmental agencies.
A partner with Kuhn LLP for 15 years, he has been practicing law since 1980. In addition, he has served as a member or Chairman on the boards of numerous charities, including Insight for Living, Arrow Leadership Ministries, English Language Institute of China, Hope Adoption Services, and the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. Born in Vernon, British Columbia, Kuhn is married to Renae, also a Trinity alumnus (‘72), and they have three adult children and one grandson.