About Us

Renison University College is a place to learn and a place to live. Affiliated with the University of Waterloo, Renison offers degree courses in Social Development Studies (Bachelor of Arts) and Social Work (Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work). We also offer a wide variety of language, culture, and arts classes, both for students at uWaterloo as well as community members who are not enrolled.

We invite you to explore how our students, faculty, staff, and alumni all contribute to the diverse, respectful, and creative community at Renison by taking an in-depth look at our site. We believe that our inclusive learning community will help you make an impact.

Learn more about Academics at Renison today.

Renison's Leaders

Chancellors

The Chancellor of Renison University College is the titular head of the College. The Chancellor holds the power to confer honours and titles upon selected individuals.

At Renison, the Chancellor's academic robes are red with gold braiding.

Jodey Porter 2023-2024
Manfred Conrad 2016-2023
The Right Rev. D. Ralph Spence 2008-2016
H. Michael Burns 2000-2008
The Right Rev. Arthur D. Brown 1994-2000
W. Donald Bean 1992-1994
Colonel George E. Renison 1986-1992
The Right Rev. Morse C. Robinson 1973-1986
The Right Rev. Harold F.G. Appleyard 1962-1973
The Right Rev. George N. Luxton 1959-1962

Presidents & Vice-Chancellors

The President and Vice Chancellor is the administrative head of the College, overseeing all aspects of the institution. When the Chancellor is absent, the President and Vice-Chancellor fulfills the Chancellor's ceremonial roles. On January 25, 2017 the official title of Principal and Vice-Chancellor changed to President and Vice-Chancellor.

At Renison, the President and Vice-Chancellor's academic robes are red with silver braiding.

President and Vice-Chancellor of Renison

The Rev. Dr. Marc Jerry 2024-present                              

Former Renison Presidents and Principals

The Rev. Canon Dr. Wendy L. Fletcher 2014-2024 (title changed from Principal to President in 2017)
Dr. Glenn F. Cartwright 2009-2014
Dr. Robert G. Rosehart 2008-2009 (Interim)
Dr. John E. Crossley 2002-2008
Dr. M. Darrol Bryant 1997 (Acting)
Dr. Gail P. Cuthbert Brandt 1992-2002
Prof. Ian L. Campbell 1977-1992
Dr. John O. Towler 1974-1977
Dr. Donald G.S. M'Timkulu 1971-1974 (Acting)
Prof. A. Wyn Rees 1961-1971
The Rev. Canon C.C.W. Mixer 1959-1961 (Acting)

Chairs of the Board of Governors

The Chair of the Board of Governors of Renison University College heads the governing body of the College.

At Renison, the Chair of the Board of Governors' academic robes are dark green with gold braiding.

Karen Spencer 2022-Present
Dr. Brian Hendley 2020-2022
The Rev. Canon Matthew Griffin 2018-2020
May Yan 2016-2017
Peter Ringrose 2013-2016
Dr. Keith W. Hipel 2011-2013
Lynn Schumacher 2007-2011
Mary Dunker Guy 2003-2007
J. Michael Carty 1994-2003
Dr. Peter H. Roe 1989-1994
Gerald A. Thompson 1986-1989
The Rev. John S.F. MacLean 1984-1986
The Rev. Gerald T. Churchill 1981-1984
The Ven. Archibald H. Skirving 1977-1981
William Townshend 1974-1977
The Rev. Kenneth C. Conyard 1972-1974
William H. Timmis 1968-1972
Carl E. Dunker 1959-1968

Visitors

The Visitor to Renison University College is the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Huron. The Visitor has the power, personally or through a Suffragan Bishop, to inspect from time to time the state of Renison, its concerns, management and proceedings and to make comment to the Board and/or to the President.

The Right Rev. Todd Townsend 2020-present
The Right Rev. Linda Nicholls 2016-2020
The Right Rev. Robert F. Bennett 2009-2016
The Right Rev. Bruce H.W. Howe 2000-2008
The Most Rev. Percival R. O'Driscoll 1990-2000
The Right Rev. Derwyn D. Jones 1984-1990
The Right Rev. T. David B. Ragg 1974-1984
The Right Rev. Carmen J. Queen 1970-1974
The Right Rev. George N. Luxton* 1962-1970

*Bishop George Luxton served as Renison's first Chancellor from 1959-1962 prior to the Visitor's position being created.

Founders

Renison College (later renamed Renison University College) was founded in 1959. The designation of ‘Founder’ has only been granted to those whose names appear on the incorporating Letters Patent of the College.

Walter A. Bean
Carl E. Dunker
Russell A. Echlin
William N. Hancock
The Rev. Canon William A. Jones
Stanley A. Lorriman
Harold B. Soanes
The Ven. Harvey F. Southcott
William H. Timmis
Joseph A. Underhill

The Ven. Harvey Southcott, one of Renison University College's founders, in front of the Founders Building in 1962 during its construction (Top) and in 2013 (Bottom).