Fellowship Hall

Justin Cooper to step down as Redeemer president

Dr. Justin Cooper has announced to the Board of Governors that he will not be seeking a fourth term as President of Redeemer University. Dr. Cooper, who has been with Redeemer even before the institution’s inception in 1980, will step down when his current term concludes on June 30, 2010. By that time, he will have served Redeemer for 30 years, including the last 16 as President

Dr. Cooper notes two principal reasons for his decision: “Many of Redeemer’s senior administrators will be retiring from 2010 on; I believe it is very important that a new President be able to build that new team. Another factor is my sense that the Lord is leading me to take my passion for the mission of Christian higher education and to explore greater involvement in promoting this mission in other avenues of service that the Lord will open up.”

Dr. Justin Cooper

Ray Pennings, the Chair of the Board of Governors of Redeemer, notes that Dr. Cooper’s vision, commitment and perseverance have been instrumental in Redeemer’s development. “Redeemer was established and accredited in an environment not friendly to faith-based institutions and it is not an exaggeration to say that humanly speaking, Dr. Cooper’s role has been pivotal. His evident passion for Christian education and dogged persistence that did not stop when obstacles were raised have served Redeemer well and he will leave big shoes to fill.”

The Board of Governors has put into place a succession review committee, which will help identify the characteristics that will be sought in future administrators. A Search Committee for a new President will be announced in February. In the meantime, Dr. Cooper will finish his term with an ambitious agenda: “There is much that can be done in the next two years which will enhance our mission through program development, including continuing education, and will strengthen our religious identity, internal decision making, financial vitality, institutional profile and national reputation. I look forward to continuing to work with the Board, staff and faculty to reach these goals.”