Welcoming our New President
To the Providence Community,
It is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of Dr. Kenton Anderson as the 15th President of Providence University College and Theological Seminary.
Dr. Anderson comes to Providence from Northwest Baptist Seminary in Langley, BC where he has served for 26 years as president and professor of homiletics. He is a distinguished scholar and practitioner best known for his research and work in developing a competency-based approach to Christian education. To view more details and/or video messages, click HERE.
As the Board of Governors, we eagerly anticipate the strong leadership Dr. Anderson will bring to Providence. We look forward to the direction he will provide as Providence continues in carrying out its mission to teach people to grow in knowledge and character for leadership and service. We look forward to Dr. Anderson taking office in June of 2021.
We also want to take this opportunity to thank Dr. David Johnson for his many years of dedicated service to Providence. He has served with authenticity and compassion, giving his heart to Providence and the work of building God’s kingdom. We wish him God’s blessings as he begins his well-deserved retirement.
Blessings,
Johanna (Joan) Franz, Chair of the Board of Governors
Welcoming Quotes
Some quotes to welcome Dr. Kent Anderson to Providence.
- “We are honoured to welcome our next President to Providence. We think this is an exciting time in our history. We eagerly anticipate the strong and innovative leadership Dr. Anderson will bring to the university and seminary. He is a person of character who lives our values of Christ first, diversity of thought, community, exploration and academic excellence.” – Joan Franz, Chair of the Board of Governors
- “Upon meeting Dr. Anderson for the first time, our committee knew there was something special about this man. That feeling was further re-enforced as we continued to meet with him, hear his heart for God and for His leading, and how that moved him to pursue the opportunity at Providence. Dr. Anderson’s passion, leadership ability, and entrepreneurial spirit is just what Providence needs as we embark on a post-pandemic era for our school.” – Jeff Pries, member of the Presidential Search Committee
- “Though I do not know Dr. Anderson well, his accomplishments and experience in Academics and Christian Higher Education administration will be a great benefit for Providence. I look forward to working for Dr. Anderson as we serve Providence together.” – Heath Holden, Vice President Administration
- “Dr. Anderson brings to the role of President a passion for Christ-centered higher education that will serve Providence well into the future. I look forward to working with him as we seek God’s will for the institution together.” – Samantha Groenendijk, Vice President External Relations
Remarks from Former President David Johnson
Presidential Transition
The presidential transition will take place over seven months with President David Johnson succeeded by Dr. Kent Anderson in June 2021. Our Providence community will be processing many emotions. It’s difficult to say goodbye to a well-loved leader who’s served Providence for more than 30 years as professor, provost and president.
Here are a few things that Dr. Johnson has to say about the transition.
“I am extremely grateful for my 31 years at Providence and for my nine years as President. It has been quite an adventure and a privilege to serve the Providence community in leadership. I am particularly thankful for the support given to me by the Providence Board of Governors, for the careful institutional management by the President’s Cabinet, and for the great work done by our staff and faculty during my tenure.“
“I congratulate the Board on securing Dr. Kenton Anderson as the 15th President of Providence. Hats off to Libby Hanna and the search committee for all their careful work. Dr. Anderson comes with a wealth of experience as an educator, author, pastor, dean and president.”
“I am excited to see where Dr. Anderson will lead Providence during the next stage of its mission, teaching people to grow in knowledge and character for leadership and service for Christ in churches and neighbourhoods around the world. I look forward to all of us giving Dr. Anderson our best for the advancement of Christian Higher Education in Canada. May God grant us all the Spirit of grace and peace during this time of transition and into the future.”