Redeemer announced the appointment of Dr. Peter Neumann as vice president, academic this past May. Neumann brings a wealth of experience in academic leadership to the position. He has served as academic dean at Master’s College and Seminary in Peterborough, Ontario since 2016, where he is a member of the lead team and supervises all academic programs, curriculum and faculty. Neumann manages a team of core faculty and staff as well as adjunct faculty. He is also responsible for compliance with academic accreditation standards and contributing to the creation and review of policies for academics and other departments.

Neumann has served as a teaching faculty member at both Master’s College and Seminary and Tyndale University Seminary. Prior to his time in academics, he also served in pastoral ministry.

“Peter brings a great deal of experience in academic and institutional leadership,” said president Dr. David Zietsma. “He has a track record of building collaborative teams, empowering people and engaging in visionary and relational leadership. He is enthusiastic about the holistic vision of living, learning and cultural renewal at the heart of Redeemer’s Reformed Christian mission. I am thankful that God has guided him to us during a time when we must strengthen, innovate and further develop the university’s programs and degrees.” 

Neumann holds a doctor of philosophy in theology from University of St. Michael’s College (Wycliffe College), Toronto School of Theology, a master of theological studies also from Wycliffe College, Toronto School of Theology, a bachelor of arts in philosophy from York University and a bachelor of theology, pastoral from Eastern Pentecostal Bible College. 

I am thrilled to join Redeemer University’s Reformed educational mission emphasizing a robust and integrative world and life view rooted in the narrative of Scripture.

“I am thrilled to join Redeemer University’s Reformed educational mission emphasizing a robust and integrative world and life view rooted in the narrative of Scripture,” said Neumann. “The foundational understanding that Jesus Christ is Lord over all of creation animates my own faith, work and scholarship. I look forward to contributing to the tradition by empowering faculty and students to live into their redemptive impact in whatever sphere Christ calls them.”

Neumann will work closely with the president and senior leadership team to grow Redeemer’s impact and reach through its unique mission. This includes leading the academic leadership group in the development of the faculty and curriculum to ensure the integration of learning, research and scholarship in ways that disciple the next generation of Christian leaders to share the hope and love of Jesus wherever they are called.

Neumann began his new role on July 1, 2023.

What are you most looking forward to in your new role?

Overall, I’m looking forward to working alongside Christians from various traditions to help educate and train the next generation for Christian witness and leadership. I enjoy interacting with faculty, and want to help them flourish as teachers and researchers as we serve our students and God’s wider Kingdom purposes. I’m also excited about the opportunities Redeemer has for development of new programs to serve the Christian community more widely.

What do you think will be your biggest challenge?

Our wider Canadian culture operates from worldview perspectives that, at times, conflict with or are simply dismissive of foundational Christian commitments. Redeemer’s approach to education operates within a biblical worldview shaped by a Reformed Christian perspective. This approach therefore meets significant challenges. At the same time, there are also societal shifts with regard to expectations for education. Students (and parents!) are looking for education to equip graduates practically for career options and preparedness. Redeemer needs to thoughtfully navigate the tensions of preserving its mission while simultaneously serving current and future generations of students.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I play softball in the summer and try to go for runs all year long at least a couple times a week with our Australian Shepherd (in a hopeless attempt to burn its energy). I also enjoy reading, mostly non-fiction, but also different types of fiction.

What books have you recently read?

Recently, my reading list has been filled with titles that are deepening my understanding of the Neo-Calvinist tradition and perspective on worldview and education. This includes, for example, Albert Wolters’ Creation Regained and Cornelius Plantinga’s Engaging God’s World.

What’s a favourite Scripture passage or book of the Bible?

Currently, I’ve been reflecting a lot on Paul’s words in 1 Cor. 1:23, “we proclaim Christ crucified.” It reminds me that the Lord Christians serve is one who, rather than seeking celebrity or using power coercively, gives himself sacrificially for others. Believers are called to emulate this countercultural character of Jesus in every area of life.