Trinity Western University announced that Dr. Todd F. Martin has been appointed the University's sixth president.
Dr. Martin has served Trinity Western since 2008, beginning 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 he advanced faith integration across the disciplines.
Following his 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 has carried the responsibility of interim president and provost. Throughout his leadership journey at TWU, Dr. Martin has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the University's foundational identity within the Christian faith and its calling to Christian higher education.
"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."
"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."
"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."
Dr. Todd Martin meets with members of the TWU community.
A consultative presidential search process
This announcement marks the completion of Trinity Western's international presidential search, which launched last summer. The search process began with listening sessions to gather 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.
See the search committee members and presidential position profile on the Presidential Search page.
Working with executive search firm CarterBaldwin, the search committee reviewed 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.
"As Board members, alumni, faculty, and staff, we are excited for TWU's next chapter as the University continues to pursue its vision to equip graduates for life."
"Through this process, we were introduced to many applicants, some of whom had a great mix of relevant experience, capability, and character," chair of the Presidential Search Committee, Leighton Friesen, commented. "Guided by prayer, discernment, and our community's many contributions, the search committee collectively and unanimously agreed that Dr. Todd Martin is an outstanding candidate who brings a proven track record of exceptional leadership, a unique blend of career experiences, and demonstrated faith, courage, and trust in God's leading."
"As Board members, alumni, faculty, and staff, we are excited for Trinity Western's next chapter as the University continues to pursue its vision to equip graduates for life."
Significant contributions to scholarship and society
A native of Parry Sound, Ontario, Dr. Martin completed his education in Windsor before studying at a liberal arts college in southern California, initially specializing in business before turning to theology. His diverse career spans 25 years in pastoral ministry, including successfully replanting a church in the Lower Mainland, complemented by experience in the financial sector. Throughout his educational journey, Dr. Martin attended ACTS Seminaries (TWU) before completing a Master of Arts in family studies (UBC), where his research focused on intergenerational faith transmission, after which he went on to achieve a PhD in sociology of family (UBC).
Sharing his knowledge of family theories, Dr. Martin has co-authored three books and authored numerous book chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles, and he serves as the managing editor of the Journal of Comparative Family Studies. Contributing to the professional field, he is a Certified Family Life Educator and a member of the Canadian Sociological Association, International Sociological Association, and National Council on Family Relations. Married for 40 years, Dr. Martin and his wife, Kim, enjoy four adult children and three grandchildren.
Upcoming spring inauguration ceremony
As Dr. Martin commences his role as president, a search committee has been established to recruit the University's next provost beginning immediately.
A formal presidential inauguration ceremony will occur on April 24. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Todd. F. Martin as Trinity Western University's sixth president.
