Booth University College president to lead Toronto school

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This article was published 19/09/2020 (2200 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

After three years as president at Booth University College, Marjory Kerr is leaving Winnipeg to become the new president of Tyndale University College and Seminary in Toronto.

Kerr, who has been at Booth since 2013 — and president since 2016 — will assume her new role July 1. She succeeds Gary Nelson, who is stepping down after 10 years.

In making the announcement, Tyndale board chairman Steve Holmes noted the decision, which involved 125 people in the discernment process, was unanimous.

“(Kerr) understands university life and culture, and with her experience, will be able to bridge the needs of both the university college and the seminary,” he said, adding “most of all” Kerr is “deeply committed and faithful follower of Christ.”

Kevin Kirk, senior vice-president of external affairs at Tyndale, said Kerr is the first woman to be president of the school which dates to 1894, when it started as the Toronto Bible Training School.

Kerr, 57, said she is “thrilled and humbled” at being selected as the new president of Tyndale, a school that serves about 1,600 students each year in its graduate and undergraduate programs.

Of her time at Booth, an arm of the Salvation Army, Kerr said it has been “a privilege” to be part of the small, faith-based liberal arts school.

In particular, she appreciates its “unwavering commitment to providing education for a better world in an environment where students can thrive as they prepare for careers and vocations that integrate faith and learning in practical ways.”

Kerr, who is originally from Toronto, said she is looking forward to being part of the multi-cultural nature of Tyndale’s students, staff and faculty. “It provides a rich tapestry for learning.”

Kerr, a member of the Salvation Army, will complete her time at Booth in June.

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