Image: Trinity Western University / Dr. Todd Martin, depicted in all three of these images, has been appointed the sixth president of Trinity Western University in Langley.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

University appoints president

Fraser Valley university appoints its 6th president

Feb 24, 2025 | 7:03 AM

LANGLEY — Trinity Western University, Canada’s largest Christian university with over 6,000 students hailing from 70 countries around the globe, announced this past week that Dr. Todd Martin, a nearly 17-year faculty member, has been appointed as the university’s sixth president, effective Feb. 20, 2025.

According to a statement from the university, Dr. Martin has served Trinity Western since 2008, starting off as a faculty member teaching in the areas of sociology and family studies before becoming dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, during which time he advanced faith integration across multiple disciplines.

Following a successful tenure as dean, Dr. Martin was appointed provost, leading in the area of strategic planning and strengthening TWU’s external relations and academic partnerships with faith-based colleges. Since the departure of Dr. Mark Husbands, who completed his five-year term as president in June 2024, Dr. Martin fulfilled the responsibilities of interim president and provost. Throughout his leadership journey in British Columbia, the university says Dr. Martin has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the University’s foundational identity within the Christian faith and its calling to Christian higher education.

“Being a part of Trinity Western for many years, Dr. Martin is highly respected by our outstanding faculty and staff,” chair of TWU’s Board of Governors, Matthew St. John, remarked in a letter to the community. “He has earned the trust and favour of the University’s alumni and friends. Importantly, he is valued and appreciated by our most vital constituency—our students.”

Dr. Martin said TWU’s integration of spirituality differentiates the university and its class offerings.

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“Leading Canada’s largest Christian university means we can do something remarkable: education from a Christian perspective is an incredible value that sets us apart and allows us to meet some of the deep needs and yearnings that many people have for more than just knowledge,” Dr. Martin expressed. “It is our privilege to invite students from around the world into a holistic education at Trinity Western that supports their life flourishing, not just academically but spiritually and emotionally as well.”

The executive announcement culminates the university’s international presidential search, which launched in summer 2024. The search process began with listening sessions to solicit input from faculty and staff, including a separate session dedicated to student perspectives. These community consultations informed the presidential position profile and guided the work of a search committee that included diverse representation from faculty, staff, board members, and alumni.

The university, founded in 1962 as Trinity Junior College, worked alongside executive search firm CarterBaldwin, enabling the search committee to review and consider candidates from across North America and beyond. Following interviews with shortlisted applicants and their references, the committee undertook a period of prayerful discernment before reaching its unanimous recommendation to the Board of Governors, recognizing the combined strengths of his leadership experiences in church ministry, business, and Christian higher education.

The Board of Governors fully supported the committee’s recommendation, selecting Dr. Todd Martin as Trinity Western’s next president, valuing Dr. Martin’s life of faithfulness, proven character, and dedication to TWU’s long-standing heritage and purpose in providing Christ-centered education.