A presidential search process for Conrad Grebel University College is well underway to replace Susan Schultz Huxman who was recruited to serve as president at Eastern Mennonite University in Virginia. Jim Pankratz began his role as interim president following the annual general meeting on October 1, 2016 and will serve until a successful candidate is in place.
Fred Redekop, a Board of Governors member from Elmira, is serving as chair of the search committee. “We are seeking a strategic, energetic, creative, and collaborative leader who will consolidate and extend program strengths at Grebel,” he noted.
In 2014, a new 25,000 square foot academic facility was opened as part of the college’s 50th anniversary celebrations. The Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement is part of this new space, along with a welcoming library and archives, large meeting rooms and classrooms, and music practice rooms.
The board continues to look ahead by focusing on the “Extending the Grebel Table” strategic plan. A new president will help guide this process and initiate direction beyond 2020.
“We are in good shape as a college,” observed Redekop, “with strong administrative leadership, capable staff, balanced budgets, and faculty who are doing amazing teaching and research.” Student participation and interest is strong with a waiting list again for the residence, growing graduate programs in PACS and Theology, and innovations in undergraduate teaching and music, including the addition of a Balinese Gamelan.
The new president will be someone who can foster academic excellence, and advance relationships of the College with the world-renowned University of Waterloo and the broader community. The Grebel community includes thousands of alumni and supporters who continue to be engaged in the mission of Grebel – to seek wisdom, nurture faith, and pursue justice and peace in service to church and society.
As a college of Mennonite Church Eastern Canada, Grebel is uniquely positioned as part of the University of Waterloo and its 14 full-time faculty teach within UW’s faculty of Arts. Grebel has course enrolments of approximately 4,000, a graduate program of 60 students, and a student services program that reaches over 300 students each year.
Those interested in learning more about the opportunity to lead this vibrant institution may read the full presidential profile.
About Conrad Grebel University College
Founded in 1963 by Ontario Mennonites, Conrad Grebel University College is an Anabaptist-inspired liberal arts college affiliated with the world-class University of Waterloo. Grebel’s core values include inspired teaching, scholarly excellence, compassionate service, community building, active peacemaking, and global engagement. These values are expressed through the academic and student life programs. Grebel’s signature academic programs include: Music, Peace and Conflict Studies, Theology, and Mennonite Studies. The College offers graduate programs in Theology and Peace and Conflict Studies.