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Winnipeg, Man.
Canadian Mennonite University appoints new president


The Canadian Mennonite University Board of Governors has announced the appointment of Gerald Gerbrandt as President of CMU, effective summer 2003. Board co-chair Herta Janzen said the Board is delighted Gerbrandt has agreed to lead CMU into the next stage in its future. “Gerald is well-suited to lead CMU as a dynamic Christian university in the Canadian scene. He is known for his commitment to the church, and for making the church meaningful in society.”

The appointment is an important step in the history of Canadian Mennonite University. Since Canadian Mennonite Bible College (CMBC), Concord College and Menno Simons College came together as a federation to form CMU, each college has maintained its own presidency. Gerbrandt’s appointment represents the transition from three presidents to one. As president of CMBC since 1997, Gerbrandt played a significant role in fostering the creation of CMU. Canadian Mennonite University was granted a charter from the Manitoba government in 1998, recognizing it as a degree-granting university.

“I am extremely impressed with the potential for CMU to have a major contribution in society and the supporting church,” said Gerbrandt. “I am excited to work with the faculty, staff, board and constituency to enable that potential to be achieved.”

Gerbrandt joined the faculty at CMBC in 1969, and has served in a variety of capacities, including roles in admissions work and public relations. He has served as a professor of Bible since 1979, as Academic Dean 1982-97, then as President. He is a graduate of CMBC (B.Chr.Ed., 1967), Bethel College (B.A., 1968), Mennonite Biblical Seminary (M.Div., 1973) and Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Va. (Ph.D., 1980).

Gerbrandt is currently on sabbatical leave from his position as President of CMBC, at Acadia Divinity School in Nova Scotia, where he is completing a book on Deuteronomy for the Believers Church Bible Commentary series.

 – Kevin Heinrichs, Director of Communications, Canadian Mennonite University

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Last modified January 10, 2003.

© 2003 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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