CBC begins leadership search

A presidential search committee formed by Columbia Bible College’s board has begun its work to find a new president for the school. The office was left vacant after the departure of Paul Wartman during the summer.

The school has been hit with substantial losses to its leadership staff. In addition to Wartman, vice-president of development Walter Bergen and vice-president for finance Gerald Dueck both left the school, leaving just two of the five senior administrators continuing on.

Board chair Brian Friesen did not discuss specifics of the individual cases, but did say the situation had been difficult. “In two of these situations – Walter and Paul – we’ve had lengthy and difficult conversations, but I am pleased to say we were able to end amicably and are on good terms,” he told Canadian Mennonite.

Friesen also stated this was the most serious personnel situation for the school in the last four or five years. “As a board, we are quite concerned about turnover. It is not how we would envision the school’s operation. But in terms of immediate challenges, we are fortunate that Ron Penner, who has many years experience, nine at Columbia, has done a tremendous job in leadership. Because of the gift that he has, we don’t feel like we are in panic mode.”

Wartman told Canadian Mennonite he would be “taking time for some restoration of soul, as Ruthanne and I seek God’s direction for our lives,” and has plans to do some writing and itinerant preaching and teaching.

“I love Columbia and have enjoyed four years of leadership there,” he said. “During my tenure I received positive reviews and achieved the annual goals and objectives of the board. While I do not understand the process and outcomes of these past few months, I do support the college and wish them well. Any institution enters a season of challenge and change when there is transition in leadership. Columbia needs the constituency to step towards them, not away.”

—Tim Miller Dyck, Canadian Mennonite