News Releases

August H. Konkel announced his intention to retire as President of Providence College and Seminary at the Board Leadership Committee meeting May 4, 2011. When he steps down in June 2012, he will have led the college for 11 years. While maintaining an active scholarly career of teaching and publications, and an enthusiastic preaching ministry, Dr Konkel has, during his tenure led the College and Seminary in a number of strategic initiatives, including: degree recognition with the University of Manitoba, the construction of the Reimer Student Life Centre; the advancement of interactive online education through the support of the Federal Government’s Knowledge Infra-structure Program, as well as the establishment of the Providence College and Seminary campus as a model for green energy technologies.

Dear members of the Providence College and Seminary Community:

On May 4, 2011 I advised the leadership committee of the board that Esther and I, together with our children, have made a family decision that the time has come to transition to another phase of life. With this in mind, I have determined that it will be best to retire from the Presidency and the Faculty, effective June 30, 2012.

This decision has been made with considerable deliberation and a great deal of mixed emotion. My employment history at Providence goes back to 1984, when we were a young family and I had yet to complete my terminal degree. All of the years since have been very enriching and stimulating for me. I could never have anticipated the studying, teaching, preaching, conferences and publishing opportunities that have been possible because of employment at Providence.

I wish in particular to thank the board for the support and the freedom they have given to my years in the presidency since July 1, 2001. I wish to thank the board for their direction and encouragement through numerous challenges. Their dedication and their sacrifice have enabled Providence to become a fully accredited Christian university and distinguished theological seminary in the evangelical tradition.

I also wish to thank all the staff and faculty that helped to increase the value of a Providence education, enabling students to directly enter graduate programs in other universities in Canada, and in helping them to think, live and serve as Christians. In relation to the work of president, I particularly wish to thank David Johnson as executive vice president for the direction and assistance that he has provided in affairs of cabinet, and in moving Providence towards shared governance along lines acceptable to the Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada.

I look forward to continued affiliation with Providence as I move into retirement, and continued engagement with the many close friends developed over the years.

Yours for the kingdom,

August H. Konkel
President