September 7, 2005 Source: Trinity Western University:
http://www.twu.ca/news/view-specific.aspx?newsID=434 Visionary Trinity Western University leader to complete presidential tenure Chancellor of R. Neil Snider, Ph.D., has announced that in June 2006, after 32 years, he will complete his final term as President of Trinity Western University. The Board of Governors has begun the search for the University's third president and announced its intention to appoint Dr. Snider as the University's first chancellor-a public relations role-beginning July 2006. As the University's second president, Dr. Snider has led Trinity Western's development from a fledgling junior college of 350 students to become Canada's premier Christian university, a full member of the AUCC enrolling over 3500 students, attracting world-class faculty and research funding, and granting undergraduate and graduate degrees in over 50 areas of study. "As Trinity Western continues to gain momentum as the finest faith-based university in Canada, the ongoing contribution of Dr. Snider in the new role of chancellor will be vital," says Dr. Allan Hedberg, Chairman of Trinity Western's Board of Governors. "By continuing to build the relationships he's established with key leaders, decision makers, and supporters across Canada and the U.S.-not to mention Trinity Western alumni-he will provide a unique and highly valuable service that will help sustain and enhance the University's ongoing success." The University's Board of Governors has appointed an independent presidential search committee, which commenced its work in April, 2005. The committee is chaired by former board member Reg Petersen, President of Southbridge Capital in Cambridge, Ontario, and includes board members and representatives from TWU faculty and alumni. The committee has developed a presidential profile that defines the credentials and characteristics required for the University's top leadership role. The public phase of the search process has begun, with the committee launching a targeted advertising campaign in Canada and the U.S. The committee's goal is to assemble a shortlist of candidates by January 15th, so that the Board of Governors can announce the successful candidate by May 1, 2006. The start date for the new president is July 1, 2006. Dr. Snider, who holds education degrees from the University of Manitoba and a Ph.D. from the University of Oregon, has committed his life to TWU's mission of developing leaders. In 1979, five years after his arrival, what was then Trinity Western College was granted a provincial charter to become a four year degree-granting institution. In 1984 it was granted full membership in the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), and in 1985, the British Columbia legislature approved a name change to Trinity Western University. "When I first arrived I had a big vision for a distinctive Christian university experience we could offer students, with a strong academic and personal growth focus. But I never would have dreamed that vision would grow in depth and scope like it has," says President Snider, a 2003 recipient of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Award given to Canadians who have gone above the call of duty to build the Canada of today. "Ultimately, to see thousands of our alumni making positive contributions in their professions and communities around the world is inspiring," continues Dr. Snider. "It demonstrates the incredible benefit of the comprehensive university experience we're committed to providing-one that engages students intellectually, socially, and spiritually within a community of mentors who challenge them to develop in character and ability as quality leaders and skilled professionals." Today, Trinity Western offers 38 undergraduate programs in areas ranging from business, human kinetics, and teacher education to the natural and social sciences, and the fine arts. Its 14 graduate programs range from counselling psychology and leadership to the humanities, biblical studies and theology.
In 2003, the University also launched the Laurentian Leadership Centre in Ottawa, which is home base for an intensive internship program where advanced students work with leaders in government, politics, business, media and non-governmental organizations. The University is also quickly gaining a reputation for its robust research environment, with faculty regularly receiving SSHRC and NSERC grants, as well as other top research grants from a variety of foundations. In 2004, TWU received its first "Tier One" grant for a Canada Research Chair in Dead Sea Scrolls.
University Communications
DeVonne Friesen, Executive Director
devonnef@twu.ca
604.513.2027 Keela Keeping
Media Relations Specialist
keela.keeping@twu.ca
513.2027 ext. 3369
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