Dr. Loren Agrey, a veteran educator with more than 35 years of experience who is currently Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs at Kettering College in Ohio will become the new president of Seventh-day Adventist Church-owned Burman University in Lacombe, Alberta, Canada, the school’s trustees announced February 6.
The 110-year-old institution was founded as a secondary school in 1907 by Adventists Charles A. and Leona Burman. It became a junior college in 1919 and, in 1947, began offering four-year degrees as Canadian Union College. In 1997, the school’s name was changed to Canadian University College, taking the name Burman University in May 2015. At the beginning of the semester, 474 students were enrolled at the school, a spokeswoman said.
“I am confident that Dr. Agrey will be an effective leader for Burman University,” said Mark Johnson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada (SDACC) and chair of the Burman University Board. “Loren is both a ‘people person’ and an excellent administrator.”
Agrey succeeds Dr. Mark Haynal, previously the education superintendent for the Indiana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, who is returning to the United States. Haynal came to Burman University, then known as Canadian University College, in 2010.
“I am very pleased with the decision by the Burman University board to hire Dr. Agrey as the next president of the university,” said Larry Blackmer, the North American Division’s education vice president. Blackmer said the new president “has a long history at Burman as well as recent presidential experience at Mission College and additional experience as academic dean at Kettering College of Medical Arts. I believe he will provide great leadership to the university.”
Before his arrival at Kettering, Agrey also served as president of the Adventist-owned Asia Pacific International University in Thailand. From 2003 to 2010, he served in several positions at Burman University: Contract Lecturer (2003), Associate in Academic Administration (2004-2005), and Vice President for Academic Administration (2005-2010).
“Throughout its 110-year history, Burman University has provided excellence in faith-based education,” Agrey said in a statement released by the school. “I look forward to working with the administrative team, along with the faculty and staff, to continue this legacy of helping students achieve their academic, spiritual, and other life goals.”
As indicated in the announcement, a formal transition date will be announced.
— with information from Kryzia Abacan, Burman University
