Dr. Jason West, the longest-serving president in the history of Newman Theological College, has informed its board of governors of his intention to resign as president and return to the teaching staff.
Dr. West also announced his plans to take a yearlong sabbatical, pending the successful search for an interim president which is currently underway, before returning to the classroom full-time in 2025.
“Looking ahead, there are some challenges that are probably best suited for somebody with different strengths than my own and someone with a fresh perspective may be helpful,” said Dr. West, who has been president of Newman Theological College since 2012.
“I think I’ve accomplished everything I was meant to accomplish as president.”
Under his leadership, Newman Theological College renewed its accreditation with the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada for the next decade. He shepherded the successful development and launch of the new Bachelor of Arts program in Catholic Studies, which is unique to Western Canada.
The NTC Endowment fund has more than doubled to $31 million and the college secured a $1-million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to establish the Pathways to Ministry Project.
“On behalf of the Newman Theological College Board of Governors, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Jason West,” said Archbishop Richard Smith, board chair.
“I join the entire college community, past and present, in thanking Dr. West for his 12 years of exemplary service. Dr. West is respected by colleagues, educators, community leaders and students for his openness and dedication to the joy - and the responsibility - of educating our young people. He is both a colleague and a friend to me and many others,” Archbishop Smith said.
“The heart of any academic is the love of teaching. I know he is looking forward to returning to the classroom to be with students. I want to assure Dr. West, his wife Christine and his family of my blessings and prayers as he enters this next chapter of life.”
Tracey Bailey, vice-chair of the Board of Governors, said: “Dr. West leaves Newman Theological College in a stronger position than when he began as president.”
“Dr. West’s significant achievements include the awarding of accreditation for the college and work to strengthen its financial position for the foreseeable future. He has also made important contributions to strengthen the governance of the college, and has enhanced the college as an innovator in developing future leaders of our Church,” Bailey said.
“I would like to thank Dr. West for his leadership of Newman Theological College and all he has done to pave the way smoothly for its future. We look forward to honouring Dr. West’s legacy as president very soon.”
Rev. Sylvain Casavant, rector of St. Joseph Seminary, reflected on his personal relationship with Dr. West.
“Dr. West has always been hospitable to the seminary and its needs. Whenever there was an issue at hand concerning the intellectual needs of the seminarians, he would listen attentively and respond promptly. I much appreciated the collaboration that he offered,” Father Casavant said.
“I consider Dr. West a friend. He has always been kind and open to me and offered an open-door policy whenever I needed to speak with him.”
During his sabbatical, Dr. West plans to write a book on the transition from ancient to Christian views of God’s care for humanity. As a professor, Dr. West teaches philosophy. His academic focus is on St. Thomas Aquinas and French Catholic philosopher Jacques Maritain.