Redeemer University’s Board of Governors has formally approved the reappointment of Dr. David Zietsma as president for a second term. The decision follows a comprehensive board review process carried out over the past year, affirming Zietsma’s visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to Redeemer’s mission.
Serving as provost and vice president, academic, and interim president before his official appointment as fifth president in March 2022, Zietsma has guided the institution through a remarkable period of growth, strategic alignment and renewed spiritual focus.
Under Zietsma’s leadership, Redeemer has reached significant institutional milestones, including offering its first graduate degree, launching the Every Career and Calling 10-year strategic plan, refreshing its mission and vision statements, growing donor revenue, developing new academic programs and pathways, investing in infrastructure and facilities, and growing enrolment to record student numbers.
Dr. Zietsma’s deep care for Redeemer’s mission, combined with his strategic leadership, has strengthened the university’s foundation, grown its present impact and positioned it well for the future.
“Dr. Zietsma’s deep care for Redeemer’s mission, combined with his strategic leadership, has strengthened the university’s foundation, grown its present impact and positioned it well for the future,” said Board Chair Rebecca Lane. “On behalf of the Board, I am excited to see what God has in store for Redeemer under President Zietsma’s leadership moving forward!”
As he begins his second five-year term, Zietsma remains focused on expanding the university’s Kingdom impact through program development, affordable tuition and long term financial sustainability. But what excites him most is seeing the incredible contribution staff and faculty make to shaping each cohort of students to impact the world for Christ. “To me, the number one goal is always ensuring that everyone here at the university is rowing in the same direction, that everyone feels valued for the unique contribution they make to the university’s mission, and that out of that we shape a generation who will reflect the love of Jesus Christ wherever he leads them,” Zietsma stated. “It’s an honour and privilege to serve as president of that incredible mission, and I am grateful for the Board’s confidence in allowing me to serve another term.”
Zietsma will officially begin his second term on May 1, 2027.