President Hubert Krygsman today announced the appointment of Dr. Douglas Needham as the new Provost and Vice President, Academic for Redeemer University College. The appointment culminates a comprehensive international search that touched nearly 100 prospective candidates. Dr. Needham’s appointment will take effect January 1, 2013. He succeeds Dr. Jacob Ellens, who retired earlier this year. Dr. Needham received his Bachelor of Art and Science (Honours) in 1987 and his PhD in Psychology in 1992, both from McMaster University, and is widely respected by faculty, staff, and students for his teaching in psychology and for his work in the many academic administrative roles he has had at Redeemer. He has served as Assistant and then Associate Professor of Psychology at Redeemer since 1992 and as Dean of Sciences and Social Sciences since 2002. He has served on nearly every Redeemer faculty committee, and in 2010 he was appointed Associate Vice President, Academic. He currently serves as Acting Vice President, Academic at Redeemer University College. Dr. Needham has been instrumental in a number of new initiatives at Redeemer, most recently in leading a new Enrolment Management Team, launching a new B.Sc. (Honours) in Health Sciences and establishing an Office of Faculty Development. “Both the Search Committee and I are impressed with what Dr. Needham brings to this role,” says Dr. Krygsman. “Doug understands and shares deeply the Reformed Christian faith and also Redeemer’s Vision, Mission, and Statement of Basis and Principles. He knows Redeemer and its needs well, and is well-equipped to assist the university in implementing a holistic, Biblically-directed vision of learning, a dynamic and collegial academic leadership team, and programs for faculty and program development, quality assurance, and accreditation. I am grateful for his contributions to Redeemer’s leadership team to date, and we are eager to work with Dr. Needham in advancing Redeemer’s mission going forward.” “I feel truly blessed and very honoured to be appointed and to be a part of the new senior leadership team at Redeemer,” notes Dr. Needham. “There are many faculty development initiatives that I am looking forward to developing over the next few years, and I also hope to collaborate more with our Student Development division to expand educational opportunities for our students.” The Provost Search Committee (Stephanie Baker-Collins, Edward Berkelaar, Joyce Koornneef, Ray Louter, Brenda Stephenson, Hank Vanderlaan, Richard Wikkerink, David Zietsma), has been meeting since July, and was helped in their work by consultant Brian Verheul and by Magda Beukes, the Executive Assistant to the President. “I wish to thank the Committee for their excellent service, professionalism, and advice throughout our search,” says Dr. Krygsman. “Above all, I am grateful for God’s leading through this search, as through our previous executive searches, and for faithfully calling and equipping new leaders to serve Redeemer.” A reception to celebrate Dr. Needham’s appointment will be scheduled for early January after students have returned for the Winter semester.