Presidential search begins

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

At its regular meeting on June 22, the Conrad Grebel University College Board of Governors named members of the presidential search committee. The committee is chaired by board member Debra Simpson, a lawyer from the Niagara area.

Board of Governors Chair, Bert Lobe, noted that,

we are confident that there are good candidates who will have interest in leading the college into its next chapter as we build from a position of strength.

The current president, Henry Paetkau, will conclude his term in June 2011. During his term, the college has enjoyed surplus budgets, strong enrolment and a new arrangement with the University of Waterloo for graduate Theological Studies.

There are many impending developments as the college approaches its 50th anniversary in 2013. These include faculty retirements and replacements, a new graduate program in Peace and Conflict Studies, and the potential to embark on a building project to enhance the library and archives.

In addition to board members, the presidential search committee includes representatives from faculty, staff, administration and students. The goal is to have an announcement of a new president in April, 2011.

Conrad Grebel University College is a liberal arts college of Mennonite Church Eastern Canada that teaches in the Arts faculty of the University of Waterloo. The college has strong undergraduate course enrolments of over 3,600 mostly in Music and Peace and Conflict Studies, a vibrant residence program that supports 250 students on and off campus, and is home to a growing graduate program in Theological Studies.