James Pankratz appointed academic dean at Conrad Grebel

James N. Pankratz has been appointed academic dean, effective January 1, 2006. He succeeds Marlene Epp, who will move into full-time teaching at Conrad Grebel.

James Pankratz

Pankratz has served as academic dean and associate professor of Mission and World Religions at MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif., since 1998. Prior to that, he spent 20 years at Concord College in Winnipeg, including 4 years as academic dean and 9 as president. From 1982–85 he worked in Bangladesh with Mennonite Central Committee as program advisor and director.

Pankratz received both an MA and a PhD in Religious Studies from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont., specializing in Eastern religions. His research and teaching interests include religion and culture and inter-religious contact and dialogue.

“We are very pleased to be able to appoint someone with Dr. Pankratz’s extensive administrative experience and involvement in Mennonite postsecondary education,” said Grebel president Henry Paetkau in making the announcement. In recent years, Conrad Grebel has experienced extensive growth in its Master of Theological Studies program. “It’s exciting to have Jim bring his background in graduate theological education to our growing program,” noted Paetkau.

Both Jim and his wife, Goldine, are originally from Ontario. They have two married daughters and two grandchildren.

Conrad Grebel University College is a liberal arts college located on the campus of the University of Waterloo. It hosts the Music and Peace and Conflict Studies programs of the University and includes a residence program for over 170 students. The Graduate Theological Studies program has over 50 students registered at Conrad Grebel in addition to offering programs at the Toronto Mennonite Theological Centre, an affiliate of the Toronto School of Theology.

—news release