A formal installation service held Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Christ Lutheran Church marked a new chapter for Luther College, as Dr. Tom Phenix was officially installed as its ninth president. The event showcased the strong and collaborative bonds that define the University of Regina and its federated partners.
A celebration of shared values
I am committed to ensuring Luther College will be a community of care, where students are known by name and supported in every dimension of their learning. We will be student-ready and future-ready, connecting rigorous liberal arts education to real-world challenges. Dr. Tom Phenix, President of Luther College, University of Regina.
The installation ceremony honoured Luther's founding traditions while weaving in Indigenous words of wisdom from Elder-in-Residence Dr. Elder Lorna Standingready, a message from Rev. Dr. Ali Tote, Bishop of the Saskatchewan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), and Rev. Dr. Larry Kochendorfer, National Bishop of ELCIC presiding. This thoughtful blend created a powerful space of shared respect, reflecting the inclusive spirit that defines our university.
Dr. Elder Lorna Standingready, Luther's Elder-in-Residence, offered Indigenous Words of Wisdom to Dr. Tom Phenix during the installation service, with Dr. Brenda Anderson at her side. Photo Credit: Jeannette Kuiper.
A familiar face in a new role
Although new to this presidential role, Dr. Phenix is a well-known and esteemed figure across campus. A proud U of R alumnus, he earned his Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the U of R before completing both his Master of Arts in Psychology and his Ph.D. at the University of Saskatchewan, establishing strong ties to the province's academic community. Before his appointment at Luther, he had an extensive career at Campion College, where he held several key leadership positions since 2004, including dean, assistant dean, and department head of both psychology and religious studies. Simultaneously, he contributed to the university as a respected full professor in the Department of Psychology, reflecting his deep academic dedication to the U of R.
This extensive background in the federated college system provides him with a unique and insightful perspective. "The Board of Regents is grateful to have found a leader who has an extensive background in academia and administration," noted Helga Hein, chairperson of the Luther College Board of Regents, in the official announcement.
Luther College Board Chairperson Helga Hein speaks at the installation ceremony, alongside (L-R) board member Andrea Wagner, Dr. Tom Phenix, and National Bishop Rev. Dr. Larry Kochendorfer. Photo Credit: Jeannette Kuiper.
A shared vision for the future
Dr. Phenix, who officially began his term on July 1, 2025, shares a vision that aligns perfectly with the broader mission of the U of R. "I am committed to ensuring Luther College will be a community of care, where students are known by name and supported in every dimension of their learning. We will be student-ready and future-ready, connecting rigorous liberal arts education to real-world challenges."
His installation signifies more than just a leadership change; it highlights the strength of the federated college model that makes the U of R so distinctive.
President Tom Phenix with church leaders and members of the Luther College Board of Regents. Front row (L-R): Rev. Dr. Larry Kochendorfer, Board Chairperson Helga Hein, Dr. Tom Phenix, Rev. Dr. Ali Tote. Back row (L-R): Robert Davis, Derek DeBolt, June Schultz, Andrea Wagner, Dr. Stephen Davis. Photo Credit: Jeannette Kuiper.
By appointing a leader with deep U of R roots to guide Luther College, the partnership is set to grow even stronger, opening new opportunities for students and enhancing the entire campus community.
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