VST Appoints New Chancellor – Catherine Evans
The Vancouver School of Theology is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Catherine Evans as its new Chancellor, effective February 1st, 2022. Ms. Evans will be officially welcomed into the Chancellor’s role at VST’s annual Convocation, scheduled for May 10, 2022.
Ms. Evans brings a wide range of experience in public service roles to her appointment. She was elected a Park Board Commissioner in Vancouver from 2014-2018; was chair of the Vancouver Public Library from 2011 to 2014, and has held a variety of policy and management roles in the governments of both British Columbia and Ontario.
Ms. Evans has contributed her skills and knowledge to the private sector as well – as a lawyer, a consultant, and as co-owner of Ethos Strategy Group – a communications and public relations firm based in Vancouver.
Ms. Evans received her bachelor’s degree in political science from Dalhousie University, an M.Div. from Emmanuel College at the Toronto School of Theology, and an LL.B. from Osgoode Hall Law School. She completed additional graduate studies in dispute resolution at the Harvard Program on Negotiation, and coursework in conflict resolution at the Justice Institute of BC. She is a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Ms. Evans has a long history of voluntary board service including the BC Society of Landscape Architects, BC Society for Public Education, Vancouver Public Library and Library Foundation, Canadian Women Voter Congress, Westcoast LEAF, and Homes First Society among others. She attends Pacific Spirit United Church where she is an active member of the congregation.
I am delighted at the appointment of Ms. Catherine Evans as Chancellor of VST. Her record of public service, leadership experience, and her theological education will be splendid gifts to VST, where we prepare thoughtful, engaged and generous Christian leaders.
– Richard Topping, President & Vice-Chancellor
I believe the first job of a Chancellor is to be the voice of students in the administration of post-secondary institutions. I can’t imagine a better person to fill this mandate than Catherine. Her career is one of progressive leadership and community service. I’m thrilled she has agreed to join us at this exciting time in the life of VST.
– Michael G. Francis, FCA, Chair of the Board
Catherine Evans succeeds Iain Black who served as VST Chancellor since 2017. Mr. Black is presently the CEO of Maximizer Software, and formerly served as President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. Mr. Black was also elected twice into the BC provincial legislature as an MLA, serving in three different economic cabinet posts. His vast experience in the technology and new economy sectors also served VST very well in its rise as a nationally and internationally regarded theological school.