Dr. Jo-Ann Badley, a former professor at Newman Theological College, has been appointed interim president of NTC while the search continues for a full-time president.

“It is a surprising turn of events to have this opportunity to serve Newman College again. I hope I can provide strong interim leadership as the college looks forward to its next president,” Dr. Badley said in a statement.

Dr. Badley will serve as interim president, starting July 8, until a new president is appointed. The search is expected to take a year. The current president of Newman Theological College, Dr. Jason West, announced in June his intention to resign as president and return to the teaching staff in 2025 after a year-long sabbatical.

 “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I thank Dr. Badley for accepting the position of interim president, once again offering her time and talent to Newman Theological College during this period,” said Archbishop Richard Smith, chairman of the Newman Theological College board of directors.

“She has a remarkable passion and dedication to theological education developed over the last four decades as a teacher and administrator. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Badley back to Newman Theological College.”

Tracey Bailey, vice-chair of the board of directors, added: “First and foremost, I want to assure Newman Theological College students, faculty, staff, supporters and the community that NTC is in excellent hands. I am confident in Dr. Badley’s leadership. She is the right person to lead the college while the board continues its search for a full-time president.”

Dr. Badley has a PhD in New Testament from the University of St. Michael's College at the Toronto School of Theology. She taught Biblical Studies and Hermeneutics for more than 40 years, including a decade at Newman Theological College.

She retired in 2022 as Dean of Theology from Ambrose University in Calgary. She served for six years on the Roman Catholic-Evangelical dialogue team and consulted with the team at Newman for the recent accreditation review for the Association of Theological Schools.

Dr. Badley has been married for 50 years and both her children live here in Edmonton. She loves walking, playing board games, reading biography, sewing, and weaving.