Governance
While the school operates as Martin Luther University College, also known informally as Luther, the institution's legal name remains Waterloo Lutheran Seminary.
The school is an institution of the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, whose bishop is an ex officio member of the Board of Governors.
Board of Governors
Luther is governed by a Board of Governors that meets at least twice a year. The board governs the school's affairs. Board members consider and approve Luther's $3-million annual operating budget, and are involved in major decisions including the name-change to Martin Luther University College and the school's recent $9-million renewal project.
In October 2023, the board approved its Strategic Plan outlining the institution's vision, mission, values, goals and strategies for 2023 - 2026
| Julianne Barlow | Vice Chair |
| Yasir Dildar | Director |
| Jeff Harris | Director |
| John Kendall | Director |
| Pat Lovell | Director |
| Janet Noel-Annable | Director |
| Bishop Michael Pryse | Bishop, Eastern Synod |
| Anne Schlorff | Treasurer |
| Ken Seiling | Director |
| Penny Smiley | Chair |
| Mary Thompson | Secretary |
| Carla Blakley | Bishop-Elect |
| Kristine Lund | Principal-Dean |
| Joy Phillip | Faculty Representative |
Martin Luther University College is seeking volunteer candidates to serve on our Board of Governors for a three- year term (renewable once).
Background
Since its inception, Martin Luther University College (formerly Waterloo Lutheran Seminary) has been a leader with long-term vision. Starting as a seminary with four students in 1911, its community grew to found Wilfrid Laurier University and was instrumental in the establishment of the University of Waterloo.
Today, Martin Luther University College (Luther) continues to be a vibrant center of faith-based learning that embraces the diversity of faith and seeks to contribute to the spiritual well-being of a pluralistic society. Martin Luther University College is a Lutheran host to a multifaith community.
We are currently seeking four Governors to add to the current complement of our Board that will allow the College to advance our strategic priorities as well as inspiring lives of meaning and service. For more information, visit our website at luther.wlu.ca.
Commitment
The full Board meets three times per year in January, April and October (presently via zoom). In addition, each Governor is encouraged to participate on at least one Board committee that meets as necessary: Finance Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Human Resource Committee, Glebe Centre Development Committee and the Fund Raising and Development Committee.
Candidate Profile
The Board is presently seeking passionate individuals who have a strong commitment to our mission, vision and values and who bring skills and expertise in the following areas:
- Legal Expertise
- Strategic Planning/Business Management
- Information Technology
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- University/College Program Expertise
Martin Luther University College is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and recognizes that these ideals are embedded in governance and organizational performance. Luther welcomes the unique contributions that candidates can bring in terms of diverse background and lived experience.
Apply
If you would like to volunteer your time to make a meaningful contribution to ensuring the legacy of Luther continues to grow, we would like to hear from you. Kindly submit your resume to lutheradmin@wlu.ca.
Letters of interest and resumes will be presented to the Luther Executive Committee for review and short listing. After interviews have been completed, the Committee will make recommendations to the full Board of Governors. Only the names of the individuals appointed to the Board will be made public.
Senate
The school's senate — composed of Luther's full-time faculty, librarian and associate professional faculty — shapes Luther's academic affairs. As Luther students receive their degrees from Wilfrid Laurier University, policies are delivered to Laurier's senate for approval. Three Luther faculty members serve as members of Laurier's senate.