On December 1, the Board of Governors of Providence University College and Theological Seminary announced its new President. Dr. Kenton C. Anderson will take over the position following David Johnson’s semi-retirement on June 1, 2021.
Anderson comes to Providence from Northwest Baptist Seminary in Langley, British Columbia, where he served for 25 years as both president and professor of homiletics. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Association of Theological Schools and the Fellowship of Evangelical Seminary Presidents, as well as a founder and executive partner of Symporus, providing leading technology and services to schools and missional organizations throughout North America.
He has preached and taught in hundreds of churches across North America and the world, and published four books, including Integrative Preaching in 2017.
“Dr. Anderson comes with a wealth of experience as an educator, author, pastor, dean, and president,” says outgoing president David Johnson. “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 the Spirit of grace and peace during this time of transition and into the future.”
By the end of his term, Johnson will have served as Providence’s president for nine years, advancing new academic programs and a better work environment, fostering an institutional living and learning philosophy, and focusing on the student experience and their wellbeing. Following his presidency, Johnson anticipates completing some long-postponed research and writing projects and doing some teaching on the side.
The presidential transition will take place over the next seven months.
“Upon meeting Dr. Anderson for the first time, our committee knew there was something special about this man,” says Jeff Pries, member of the Presidential Search Committee. “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.”
Anderson and his wife Karen have three grown children and four grandchildren. They enjoy music, the arts, and God’s creation outdoors together.
“I am greatly pleased to answer God’s call to serve the mission of Christian higher education at Providence,” Anderson says. “The multiplication of leaders for God’s Kingdom has been my lifelong mission and I look forward to pursuing that vision across the multiple and varied life applications and ministries that this university and theological school represents. People need what Providence offers, and by God’s grace, I anticipate new and larger possibilities as we take this treasure to the world.”