As of June 1, Lt-Colonel John P. Murray has been appointed the new chair of the Board of Trustees at The Salvation Army’s Booth University College in Winnipeg. An officer for 25 years, Lt-Colonel Murray is secretary for communications for the Army in the Canada and Bermuda Territory. He has extensive experience in the fields of public relations and development, and formerly served as communications secretary in the Programme Resources Department at International Headquarters.

Upon his return to Canada in 2015, Lt-Colonel Murray served for two years as the vice-president of advancement for Booth University College. He is currently the chair of the Toronto Grace Health Centre Board of Trustees.

“It is with pleasure that I commend Lt-Colonel Murray as the chair of the Booth University College Board of Trustees,” says Lt-Colonel (Dr.) Susan van Duinen, interim president and vice-chancellor of Booth University College. “I’ve had the privilege of working directly with John, and there are few who can match his passion and dedication to mission. The pandemic has been a disruptor to traditional methods, requiring board chairs to be resilient, agile and multi-dimensional in their approach. I have seen these attributes in John and believe he will serve the Board of Trustees and Booth University College well.”

“With its motto ‘Education for a Better World,’ Booth University College has gone from strength to strength as it has served The Salvation Army and the Winnipeg community,” notes Lt-Colonel Murray. “As we enter a new phase of development, we will be building on the rich legacy of those who paved the way. We anticipate exciting new initiatives that will expand Booth’s offerings and ensure it evolves into a centre of learning excellence for The Salvation Army domestically and internationally for years to come.”

Lt-Colonel Murray replaces outgoing chair Brig.-Gen. Linda Colwell, a retired member of the Canadian military and a Salvationist. Under her tenure, Booth grew as an accredited university college and underwent significant renovations to the campus building and updates to programming.

“It is with deep gratitude that we recognize Brig.-Gen. Colwell’s service to The Salvation Army,” says Commissioner Floyd Tidd, territorial commander and chancellor of Booth University College. “She has ably guided the Booth Board of Trustees for the past six years. Her wisdom, expertise in education and passion for the mission of The Salvation Army have been invaluable.”

Lt-Colonel Murray holds a Bachelor of Arts from York University, Toronto, and a Master of Arts in leadership from the University of Guelph, Ont. He has also completed the Harvard Kennedy School executive certificate, non-profit leadership, is an accredited APR (Canadian Public Relations Society) and holds the certified fundraising executive (CFRE) designation.

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 behavioral sciences, business administration, English and film studies, psychology, religion and social work.

Comment

On Monday, June 7, 2021, Catherine Fairbank said:

GORDON is very pleased with your appointment. He said you will do a good job. As you probably know he invested many years on the Board and funded the library there in memory of their son John. All the best. Travel safely. Catherine Fairbank

 

On Tuesday, June 1, 2021, Joanne Blackmore said:

Congratulations John! This appointment will be exciting for you and one that you will serve well! Blessings from Joanne & Leonard .

 

On Tuesday, June 1, 2021, Marilyn Rook said:

Congratulations John

 

On Tuesday, June 1, 2021, David S. Massaquoi said:

On behalf of the Salvation Army Liberia and Sierra Leone Command Education Secretariat, I wish to congratulate Lt-Colonel Murray and wish him all the best as he takes on his new role.

 

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