Providence University College president Dr. Kenton Anderson has announced his intention to retire. His official last day will be May 31, 2027, allowing him one more year in the position before passing the baton.
The end of his term will mark six years as president of the university. Anderson served as its fifteenth president.
“It has been a privilege to serve Providence during these past years,” Anderson says. “This institution holds a remarkable place in Christian higher education and I am grateful for the faculty, staff, students, and supporters who faithfully carry forward its mission. I look forward to continuing the work alongside this community over the coming year and ensuring a strong transition for the next president.”
Anderson has been on hand to guide Providence through some difficult waters over his tenure, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2023, Providence’s bid to become recognized by the province as an official university was shut down in the Legislature. Gaining official status would have garnered the school both recognition and grant eligibility retained by Manitoba’s other universities.
Less than a year later, Providence faced another downside to the province’s decision not to recognize them. With a newly introduced federal cap on international students, Manitoba’s allocations were greatly reduced. The remaining spots were largely dispersed between publicly funded post-secondary institutions. Providence’s international student numbers were thus reduced by 90 percent.
In 2025, Providence sold their newly acquired campus in downtown Winnipeg, ending the dream, at least for now, of expanding their student services into the city’s core.
Anderson’s years as president have also been marked by times of great optimism and celebration.
Partnering with Canadian North Airlines in 2023 allowed Providence to extend their long-standing aviation program to include a unique curriculum designed for Inuit students who service northern Manitoba communities.
Anderson was also at the forefront of the school’s centennial celebration last September.
Before his tenure is through, he plans to lead the launch of Providence Global, which will introduce a virtual classroom, encompassing Providence ideals, to students around the world.
He arrived at Providence with an accomplished background, having served 25 years as president and professor at Northwest Baptist Seminary in British Columbia. He is also an author and preacher, widely recognized for his work in competency-based theological education.
“Kenton’s decision to conclude his presidency at the end of his term is voluntary and comes with the board’s full support, admiration, and gratitude,” says Providence board chair Joan Franz. “He has led Providence with integrity and courage, strengthening relationships with government partners, initiating new enrolment opportunities, including the Prov Downtown program, supporting steady enrolment growth at our Otterburne campus, advancing athletics, and guiding our community through the Centennial celebrations. His leadership also helped launch our centennial fundraising campaign, which seeks to raise $20 million in the coming years to support the mission and future of Providence.”
In the months to come, the board will set to the task of finding Providence’s next president.