Grebel Names Jeremy Bergen as Next Dean
Dr. Jeremy Bergen, Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Theological Studies at Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo, has been selected to serve as Grebel’s next Dean, starting July 1, 2026.
Since joining the Grebel faculty in 2008, Bergen has demonstrated significant leadership within the College and beyond. He was Director of Theological Studies from 2014 to 2021, Director of the Toronto Mennonite Theological Centre on three different occasions, and Associate Chair (Undergraduate) for the Religious Studies Department at UWaterloo from 2023 to 2025. He was the editor of The Conrad Grebel Review for nine years and is the co-editor of the soon-to-be-launched scholarly journal Anabaptist and Mennonite Studies Review. He has served on numerous ecumenical and inter-faith dialogues and is currently a member of the Faith and Life Commission of Mennonite World Conference. He was president of the Canadian Theological Society in 2016-2017.
“Jeremy has earned the respect of colleagues, students and the wider academic community through his teaching, scholarship, and leadership in both academic and church-related roles,” remarked Grebel President Marcus Shantz. “He understands Grebel’s distinctive mission, values, and place within the University, and he brings the wisdom, collegiality and vision needed to help guide the College through a time that will likely present significant challenge and opportunity in post-secondary education.”
Bergen teaches and writes in the area of contemporary Christian theology. He holds a PhD and MA in Theology from the University of St. Michael’s College in Toronto and has a BA from the University of Winnipeg and a BTh from Canadian Mennonite Bible College (now Canadian Mennonite University). His research interests include church apologies for historical wrongs, martyrdom, ecclesiology, ecumenism, the Holy Spirit, and contemporary Mennonite theology. In his first book, Ecclesial Repentance: The Churches Confront Their Sinful Pasts, he analyzed dozens of church apologies and proposed a theological framework for this relatively new practice. In his forthcoming book, Christian Martyrdom and the Unity of the Church, he examines how the stories Christians tell about various martyrs might advance unity among Christians, and how those stories might undermine unity. In addition, he has published two co-edited books, and many scholarly articles, chapters, and short articles for public audiences.
“I look forward to working together with faculty colleagues in our shared enterprise of engaged teaching and research that extends human knowledge,” said Bergen. “As Dean, I will keep focused on this core mission as we also adapt in response to a changing world and new challenges in higher education. My vision is for a Grebel that serves the whole student,” he added. “In our undergraduate and graduate courses and programs, we want to constantly strive to be engaged teachers; to help students explore questions of meaning, purpose, and justice; to foster community connections; and to address issues in our world with wisdom, collaboration, creativity, and passion.”
An engaging presenter, Bergen is a sought-after speaker, preacher, and teacher. He has taught a wide range of courses, ranging from an Arts First course on “Public Apologies” for first year students, “Christianity’s Big Questions” and “Dying for God” for undergraduate students, and master’s level courses on “Atonement” and “Peace Church Theology.” He has also supervised several master’s theses and served on several doctoral student committees at UWaterloo and the Toronto School of Theology.
As Grebel prepares for a new strategic plan, Bergen will provide leadership for the College's academic programs and the structures that support them. He will work closely with faculty and sessional instructors, championing their work and helping academic programs thrive. He will also encourage collective ownership of Grebel's mission and help guide the College in responding to opportunities and changing circumstances.
Bergen succeeds Dr. Troy Osborne, who has served as Dean for nearly eight years with wisdom and steadiness. “Troy provided calm and pragmatic leadership through years of change and challenge that included the COVID-19 pandemic, major changes to how universities are funded, and organizational shifts at the University of Waterloo,” said President Shantz. “He has been a strong advocate for excellent teaching and student success, and a trusted mentor for faculty at Grebel. He is also appreciated at the University of Waterloo for being a constructive voice in advancing the larger goals of the University itself. I am personally grateful for the privilege of working closely with Troy, and have learned much from the care, dedication, and experience that he brought to his work as Dean.”
"I am deeply grateful for the privilege of leadership, the gift of colleagues, and the mission that animates Grebel," reflected Osborne. “I am proud of what my faculty colleagues have accomplished, inspired by the College’s dedicated staff, and continually impressed by its remarkable students. Jeremy brings significant administrative experience to the role of Grebel's Dean. His colleagues appreciate his thoughtful leadership, excellent scholarship, and reputation as a creative and committed teacher. I look forward to seeing where he guides the College in the coming years.”
Starting July 1, 2026, Osborne will serve as Acting President while President Marcus Shantz is on six months of planned administrative leave. In January, Osborne will return to his previous role of Associate Professor of History.