Booth University College's annual opening convocation on September 23 marked the beginning of a new era at the institution with the installation of its fifth president, Dr. Marjory Kerr.

“I'm very thankful for those who have been in this chair before me and for the work they have done to get Booth to where it is today,” said Kerr. “But part of my vision for Booth as we go forward is looking at shifting from maintaining and holding steady, to sustaining and really leveraging what we have. I want to move us from being Booth University College to Booth University.”

“Dr. Kerr brings with her a wealth of experience. As the first woman to take the office of president in Booth University College's 34-year history, this is an important and historic occasion,” said Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman in a written statement to the institution. “Booth University College aims to bring together Christian faith, rigorous scholarship and a passion for service and I am confident that the installation of Dr. Kerr will certainly move the institution forward in achieving these goals.”

During her installation, Kerr was presented with three symbols of the president's office. Commissioner Susan McMillan, Booth's chancellor, presented her with the president's robes. Colonel Mark Tillsley, vice chair of Booth's Board of Trustees, presented her with The Salvation Army flag to represent the close connection between Booth and the Army. Colonel Glen Shepherd, board chair, presented Kerr with a Bible to signify her responsibility as a woman of God's word.

Kerr officially entered her role as president on July 1, 2016. In this role she will work closely with the Board of Trustees, Cabinet, faculty and staff to take Booth forward in achieving its mission and vision to become a Christian university. Prior to her appointment as president, Kerr served for three years as vice-president academic and dean.