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TWU Announces New Chair to Board of Governors

Langley, BC – Trinity Western University is pleased to announce that Fred Fleming, BComm (UBC), CPA, CA, has been elected by the Board of Governors as Board Chair, effective June 19, 2020. Leighton Friesen, MBA, a TWU alumnus, is the new Board Treasurer.

"One of the distinct features of Trinity Western University is the quality of leadership that exists at every level," says Dr. Mark Husbands, President of Trinity Western University. "God continues to bless our University with individuals who offer their gifts, energy, intelligence, and expertise in service of our mission. Mr. Fred Fleming is a splendid example of such leadership, and he will serve the University with distinction. As I reflect on the quality of leadership provided by Chairman Lorne Jacobson, and now Fred Fleming, the words of Psalm 84 come easily to mind. Indeed, by God’s grace, Trinity is transitioning 'from strength to strength.'”

Mr. Fleming has been a member of the Trinity Western University Board of Governors for 6 years serving as Board Treasurer. Mr. Fleming brings with him a wealth of leadership experience from both private and non-profit sectors. He has served on various boards over the years, including Focus on the Family Canada.

“It has been an honour serving on the Board of Governors during a time of strong enrolment growth, significant debt reduction, exciting building projects, excellent leadership and high-quality education," Mr. Fleming says. "I am thankful for the remarkable advances the University has made, as we look to a future with both extraordinary challenges, resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, and extraordinary opportunities. I am proud to be serving alongside a community of people – Board, administration, faculty and staff – committed to the mission of this amazing University, and to serving an outstanding, diverse student body.”

Mr. Fleming also served for the last 17 years on Trinity Western University’s School of Business Leadership Advisory Council, a committee of business, academic and community leaders who support the Dean and provide advice on the strategic initiatives of the School.

At this significant time of leadership transition, Trinity Western wishes both to extend a warm welcome to Mr. Fleming and to express its deep gratitude to outgoing Board Chair, Mr. Lorne Jacobson, JD.

Mr. Jacobson is a TWU alumnus, long-time active supporter of the University and member of the President’s Circle. Mr. Jacobson has been a member of the Board of Governors for 10 years and has served as Chair to the Board of Governors for 6 years.

“It has been my honour to serve alongside tremendously supportive Board colleagues and dedicated, capable senior management to collaboratively steward the resources and potential of TWU," Mr. Jacobson says. "For the past 10 years, I have enjoyed a front row seat to marvel at the richness of God’s blessing upon this vital Canadian institution for higher learning, which pursues with integrity and calling its mission to equip and inspire Christian leaders for the global marketplace. I know Fred Fleming will do an outstanding job of continuing to build upon this legacy in partnership with TWU’s gifted administration, faculty and staff.” 

Members of the Jacobson family have been involved with the University for over four generations as founding donors, students, parents, alumni, board members and supporters. In 2018, as a result of a significant financial lead-gift from the Jacobson family, TWU approached the Jacobsons to consider a naming opportunity in recognition of their years of contribution. Jacobson Hall, a new five-floor student housing complex with full amenities, was dedicated on November 2, 2018. To the Jacobsons, use of their name represented not only the historic but the future relationship between their family and the University.

Trinity Western University expresses its deep gratitude to Mr. Jacobson and his family for their many years of leadership and generous investment. The University extends a warm congratulations to Mr. Fleming as he begins his new role as Chair of the Board of Governors.

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About Trinity Western University

Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to find and fulfill their purpose in life. It is a fully accredited 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. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vibrant faith community devoted to supporting godly leaders seeking to have a transformational impact on culture.

For media inquiries, please contact media@twu.ca.