Dr. Gary Nelson appointed President of Tyndale

TORONTO , Feb. 2 /CNW/ - The Board of Governors of Tyndale University College & Seminary has announced the appointment of Dr. Gary Nelson as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2010 .

In his announcement today, Board Chair, Steven Holmes said, "We conducted an international search and are delighted that Dr. Nelson has accepted our invitation. We look forward to his leadership as we strive to educate and equip young people for the world. Dr. Nelson understands Tyndale and is committed to lead our faculty, staff, students, alumni and donors toward a shared vision to be one of Canada's premier universities and seminaries."

Dr. Nelson said, "I can think of no greater time to be involved at Tyndale University College & Seminary. It stands at a unique place in developing its 'voice' and 'mind' by educating and equipping students through its programs. I am excited about working closely with the faculty, staff and student body to further shape our vision and realize the unique opportunities before us."

Dr. Nelson went on to say, "Tyndale's legacy is its reputation and history as one of the leading institutions of Christian higher education in Canada . It has been undergoing a transformation over the last few years and both the university college and the seminary have a great future. Tyndale is already one of the most multi-cultural student bodies in Canada , its seminary is leading the way in contextual, theological education and its university college provides students with a multi-disciplinary education from a faith-based perspective. The new 56-acre campus on Bayview Avenue and its development will only enhance our possibilities. I am looking forward to joining Tyndale and together shaping its next chapter."

During his 10-year tenure as General Secretary of the Canadian Baptist Ministries and CEO of the national and global work of Canadian Baptists, Dr. Nelson and his leadership team experienced a striking capacity growth. They expanded the impact of ministry in the area of leadership development and theological education; facilitated sustainable community development as well as missional discipleship programs; and developed and nurtured key educational resources for 1100 congregations across Canada .

"We believe that Dr. Nelson 's proven experience, collaborative style of leadership and commitment to education through innovation and shared vision will position Tyndale as a leader," said Holmes.

Dr. Nelson graduated with doctoral and master's degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary and with a Bachelor of Education degree at the University of British Columbia. A leading academic in the area of 21st Century missional church, he has authored and presented numerous papers and lectured nationally and internationally. He has written extensively on theological and ecclesiastical matters. His publications include Future Faith Churches: The Power of a Reconnected Gospel for the 21st Century (Woodlake Press, 1997); Borderland Churches: A Congregations' Introduction to Missional Living (Chalice Press, 2008); and Going Global: Missional Living 'over there' (pending publication in December 2010).

Tyndale is a trans-denominational, evangelical university college and seminary founded in 1894 and situated in North Toronto . Its student body is engaged in comprehensive and broad educational opportunities from a faith perspective. The University College is focused on providing accredited degree programs that challenge students to think critically and prepare them for professional vocations and post graduate studies. Tyndale Seminary, described by their accrediting body the Association of Theological Schools, is the most multi-cultural seminary in North America . It provides theological education at the masters and doctoral levels for Christian leaders, laity and pastors. At present, it has a student body of over 1,200 and an alumni of over 9,000.

For further information: or to schedule an interview, please contact Lina van der Wel, Director, Marketing and Communications, Tyndale University College & Seminary, [email protected], [phone] ext. 2167