Dr. Donald Burke has been appointed as the interim president of The Salvation Army’s Booth University College in Winnipeg, effective June 10, 2020. Dr. Burke succeeds Dr. Marjory Kerr who has served as president since 2016. He also held the position of Booth University College president from 2006 to 2016 and has taught at the institution since it opened in 1982.
Commissioner Floyd Tidd, territorial commander and chancellor of Booth University College, says, “We are grateful to Dr. Burke for stepping into this role again. His experience and leadership will be invaluable as we encourage students to achieve academic excellence and empower them to bring hope, social justice and faith into the world. We also express our gratitude to Dr. Marjory Kerr for her excellent leadership over the past four years.”
Dr. Burke is currently professor of biblical studies at Booth University College and has served in several administrative roles including vice-president and academic dean (2000-2006). During Dr. Burke’s first tenure as president, Booth transformed into a Christian university college, expanding its programs and growing its enrolment. In 2016, he returned to a full-time teaching role.
“In these challenging times for post-secondary education and society-at-large, Booth University College will continue to offer ‘Education for a Better World’ in new and exciting ways,” Dr. Burke notes. “This interim period, as the board searches for the next president, will require us to be thoughtful, innovative and faithful to the mission of the institution. In these ways we plan to advance the missions of both Booth University College and The Salvation Army.”
Established in 1982, Booth University College is rooted in The Salvation Army’s Wesleyan theological tradition and brings together Christian faith, rigorous scholarship and a passion for service. Its programs of study include behavioural sciences, business administration, English and film studies, psychology, religion and social work.
Dr. Burke is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University (BA) and the University of St. Michael’s College (MA, Ph.D.) in Toronto. His major field of study was sacred Scripture with an emphasis on the Old Testament, however, his interests extend to a broad range of topics in theology and Christian history, including the Wesleyan heritage of The Salvation Army.
A lifelong Salvationist, Dr. Burke came to Christian faith in the Brantford Citadel Corps. His passion is to help students appreciate the richness of the Scriptures and the ways in which they can guide Christians in today’s complex world. He is a regular contributor to Salvation Army publications and provided the commentaries on Joel and Amos in the recently published Wesley One Volume Commentary on the Bible (Abingdon Press).
On a personal note I have fond memories of sharing with Don when we were both students in Toronto. I was impressed then with the breadth and depth of Don's knowledge in his chosen field of study, and his passion for the Old Testament. Over the ensuing decades I have been pleased to know that BUC has benefited tremendously from his scholarship and teaching ability.