I am pleased to announce that the Board of Governors has unanimously approved the renewal of Dr. Jason West as the thirteenth President of Newman Theological College for a third consecutive term. Dr. West and his wife Christine have graciously accepted this call to further service to the College community.

The Board noted that Dr. West fulfilled the College’s previous strategic plan with understanding and creative leadership. He led the College through the difficult time of the COVID pandemic, ensuring all students were able to continue their studies safely. In the midst of these difficulties he guided the development, launch and accreditation of a new BA program in Catholic Studies—the first College program to be approved by the Alberta government. He also supported the integration of Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Seminary into the College life when they moved to Edmonton from their prior location in Ottawa. Finally, he has successfully led the College in receiving two significant grants from the Lilly Endowment, Inc. Through these the College is becoming an active new leader in revitalizing young adult ministry and the work of developing vocations in the wake of the pandemic, with the aim of growing enrolment at the College among future leaders for the Church.

The Rector of St. Joseph Seminary, Fr. Sylvain Casavant, commented: “As Dr. Jason West begins his new 3-year mandate as president of Newman Theological College, I look forward to our continued collaboration in mentoring leaders. His love of Christ and continued positive presence are a reflection of his own leadership style and desire to help build the kingdom of God. As rector of St. Joseph Seminary, I congratulate him and pray that the next three years will bring much fruit for the Church.”

This continued support for Dr. West’s leadership is a vital first step in launching the College’s new strategic plan and it coincides with a plan for Presidential leadership development that marks a new stage of the Board’s collaborative work with Dr. West. As the Chair of the Board of Governors, I am confident that under Dr. West’s continuing leadership Newman Theological College will have a growing and vital role in the life of the Archdiocese and the Church in Western Canada.