Redeemer University College is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. David Zietsma as provost and vice president, academic.

Zietsma brings a wealth of experience, passion and vision to the position. He currently serves as Redeemer’s vice president, external relations and enrolment, working closely with stakeholders to increase Redeemer’s reach and impact. Prior to his current role, he served at Redeemer as dean of humanities from 2010 to 2015, while also holding the appointment of associate provost, curriculum from 2013 to 2015. As a member of president’s council, he was deeply involved in developing the Redeemer 2020 Strategic Plan. He also led the development of the new core curriculum, which has been instrumental in getting students to think beyond the boundaries of their major area of study, integrating faith, life and learning. As vice president, external relations and enrolment, Zietsma helped lead new efforts in student recruitment, fundraising, and marketing, including tuition restructuring and the Re Campaign, the largest fundraising campaign in Redeemer’s history.

“David has been a visionary change agent in key areas across the institution, and he takes on this new role at a critical time of growth and development for Redeemer. He displays an aptitude for uniting various stakeholders around shared goals and vision on important projects that are critical to Redeemer’s long-term success and influence,” said president Dr. Robert Graham.

Zietsma holds a PhD in history from the University of Akron, a Master of Arts in history from the University of Waterloo, and a Bachelor of Arts from McMaster University. He also has a Diploma in business marketing from Mohawk College.

Believing wholeheartedly in Redeemer’s mission, Zietsma says, “I believe that it is the purpose of learning and scholarship at a Christ-centred university to be fully invested in bringing the renewing love of the Gospel to all areas of life. We accomplish that by bringing a Christian perspective to knowledge and theory that translates into students being prepared to serve God in all kinds of callings and places. This is the academic heart of Redeemer’s founding mission and it must continue to guide the university’s efforts.”

“David has been a visionary change agent in key areas across the institution, and he takes on this new role at a critical time of growth and development for Redeemer.”

As provost and vice president, academic, Zietsma will work closely with the president in accomplishing Redeemer’s mission through a comprehensive vision that integrates university learning and student development where faith, life and learning are vitally connected. As the chief academic officer, he will also provide crucial leadership in building an effective academic administration with a cohesive partnership between curricular and co-curricular programs, activities and staff.

“Christian higher education brings together two things about which I am very passionate: discipleship in Christ and university learning. I’m excited to lead Redeemer’s academic mission at a time of both challenge and opportunity,” said Zietsma.

Zietsma will transition into his new role starting April 1, 2020.