Explore our rigorous, interdisciplinary academic program in the Faculty of Theology, which offers excellent preparation for doctoral research with an emphasis on the integration of theological vision and of the many theological disciplines.
Where will a Master of Arts take you? Wherever you want to go! Develop the knowledge and skills to actively participate in complex conversations, projects and research that require you to be sensitive towards and understanding of how different belief systems intersect and interact with one another.
Some of our alumni have gone on to pursue further study, while others have put their refined critical thinking and communication skills to work in a wide variety of careers. With their developed appreciation for our global communities, past and present, these Leaders with Heart stand out as effective researchers, writers, and collaborators.
Demonstration of Proficiency in English if your first language is not English (see detailed program regulations under “Admissions.”)
International Students should also consult the School of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies for details.
The normal admission term is September (fall), or January (winter) term.
International students should apply well before these deadlines in order to give themselves sufficient time to arrange a student visa upon admission.
Application
Complete your application through the School of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies at Western University. Click here for a link to SGPS’ website, where there are further instructions and links to the online application (see square button on left, “Apply Now”).
This application will also require two academic references and transcripts for every university you’ve attended. You will be able to request Ontario transcripts be sent electronically, but you will need to contact universities elsewhere to arrange for transcripts to be sent to Huron. Also required is that you upload to your application an academic writing sample and a Statement of Interest. You can work on this online application, pause, then complete and submit the application later.
Application fee: $150
Application site
Part-time admission is available. Full-time students do not have employment for more than about 10 hours per week, on average.
Prepare for an exciting and challenging course load that will combine investigations into important works of literature with research, discussions and energetic debates. The Master of Arts (Theology) at Huron is led by world-renowned professors who actively help achieve your research goals.
Terms of Study:
Graduate students remain continuously enrolled in programs and are expected to be making academic progress in all three terms each year.
Part-time vs. Full-time:
FALL 2024
Theology 9513 Research Methods (required course)
Smith, Dr. Daniel
(contact prof for permission)
Theology 9512 Theology in a Global Context (Group A Breadth Course)
Samuel, Dr. Joshua
(contact Theology office for timetable)
Theology 9520 Key Issues in Islamic Theology (Group B, Focus Course)
Taleb, Dr. Lahouari Ramzi;
Thursdays, 9:30 am – 12 pm, Online only
Study of the major theological issues addressed by traditional and modern Muslim theologians, such as the attributes of God, revelation, human freedom and responsibility, suffering and religious pluralism.
WINTER/SPRING 2025
Theology 95zz History of Christian-Muslim Relations (Group B Focus)
Mattson, Dr. Ingrid
contact Theology office for timetable
See also next section: “Independent Studies & Taking Courses Elsewhere”
GROUP B FOCUS COURSES AS INDEPENDENT STUDIES
MA Independent Focus Course Form, please find form here.
Although focus courses are sometimes offered as seminars in the Group B range, the following professors teaching in our program can also work with you individually to fulfill your “Focus” course requirements. Other topics may also be available, so please ask!
Independent Focus Courses
Prof. William Acres, wacres@uwo.ca
• Interpreting Reformation History
• History as Theology, Theology as History
• Residential Schools in Canada: Sources and Methods
Prof. Darren Marks, dmarks@uwo.ca
• Early Modern and Modern Theology: Christian and Jewish
• Theology and Science
• Theology and Popular Culture
Prof. Ingrid Mattson, imattson@uwo.ca
• Qur’anic Studies
• Islamic Theological Ethics
• Muslim Women’s Spirituality
Prof. Daniel Smith, dsmith89@uwo.ca
• The Death and Resurrection of Jesus: Text, Memory, Reception
• Paul in His Letters and in Early Christian Memory
• New Testament Theology
Prof. Todd Townshend, ttownshe@uwo.ca
• Preaching and Homiletical Theory
• Preaching and Liturgical Theology
• History of Preaching
Prof. John Dool, jdool@uwo.ca
• Contemporary Catholic Theology
• Theological Anthropology
Dr. Herb Gruning, hgruning@uwo.ca
• Models of Divinity
• Theological Anthropology
Prof. Gyongyi Hegedus, ghegedus@uwo.ca
• Rationalism and Mysticism in the Golden Age of Islam
• Medieval Jewish Philosophy
Dr. Michael Wagenman, mwagenma@uwo.ca
• Culture-Engaging Theologies
• The Church after Christendom
or
One graduate course in a closely cognate discipline at Western (e.g., for student proposing to concentrate in New Testament, a relevant course in Classical Studies), at the recommendation of the student’s advisor or supervisor, and subject to the approval of the program chair and of the instructor and department concerned. Students who take a full (1.0) graduate course in another discipline will be credited with no more than one half-course toward the concentration requirement.
TAKING COURSES ELSEWHERE AT WESTERN
See this page for information on auditting, taking undergraduate courses, courses in other program.
TAKING COURSES AT OTHER UNIVERSITIES
Exchange programs can be found here.
FALL 2023
Theology 9513a Research Methods (required course)
Lemos, Dr. Tracy;
Fridays/9:30-noon; room (contact Prof)
Theology 9540a Violence and Healing in Historical & Cross-Cultural Perspective (Group A/B, Focus or Breadth Course)
Lemos, Dr. Tracy;
Tuesdays/9:30-12:30 pm (contact Prof)
CANCELLED Theology 9520a Threefold Way to Attain Wisdom: Rational Theology, Philosophy & Mysticism in Islamic & Jewish Thought (Group B, Focus Course, )
Hegedus, Dr. Gyongyi;
Thursdays, 3:30-6 pm, CANCELLED
Based on the works of medieval Muslim and Jewish authors, this course attempts to provide answers for the following fundamental questions: Can the teachings of Islam and Judaism be justified by rationality and logical argumentation (kalām)? How did medieval Muslim and Jewish thinkers react to the philosophy of Greek Antiquity (falsafa)? How can the believers experience the presence of God, can you train your mind for that (tasawwuf, kabbalah)?
WINTER/SPRING 2024
CANCELLEDTheology 9512b Theology in a Global Context (Group A Breadth)
day/time, CANCELLED
Theology 95zzb Islamic Law & Legal Theory (Group B Focus)
Lowe, Dr. Julie
Tuesdays, 11:30-2:00, contact Prof
See also next section: “Independent Studies & Taking Courses Elsewhere”
FALL 2022 (all courses are expected to be in-person)
Theology 9513a Research Methods (required course)
McClatchie, Dr. Stephen;
Fridays/9:30-noon; room H233
Theology 9514a Social Science Approach to Religion (Group A, Breadth)
Lemos, Dr. Tracy;
Tuesdays/9:30-12:30 pm, room H119
WINTER/SPRING 2023
Theology 95xxb Christianity & Indigeneity (Group B Focus)
Acres, Dr. Bill;
Thursdays, 18:00-20:30, room W102
Theology 9507b History of Christian-Muslim Relations (Group B Focus)
Mattson, Dr. Ingrid
Thursdays, 14:30-17:00, room W104
See also next section: “Independent Studies & Taking Courses Elsewhere”
FALL 2021 (all courses are expected to be in-person)
(Courses begin Wed., Sept. 8, unless course outline on OWL indicates otherwise.
You will be contacted in mid-August to select your courses.)
Theology 9513a Research Methods (required course)
McClatchie, Dr. Stephen;
Fridays/9:30-noon; room H233
Theology 9501a Ancient Conceptions of Divinity
Lemos, Dr. Tracy;
Wednesdays/2:30-5 pm, room W102
Theology 9540a
Gender & Sexuality in Ancient Christianity
Quigley, Dr. Jennifer
Thursdays/8:30-11 am, room V208
SPRING 2022
Theology 9511b Theology of Interpretation (Ind Study)
Dool, Dr. John, Fridays, 9:30-12:30, Room H233
Theology 9505b Islamic Law & Legal Theory
Mattson, Dr. Ingrid;
Weds., 6:00-8:30 pm pm; room W104
Theology 9506b Theological Anthropology
Potter, Dr. Brett;
Wednesdays, 2:30-5:00 pm.; class H119
CANCELLED: Theology 95–b Medieval Heresies
Thursdays, 11:30-2 pm
FALL 2020 (all courses are online)
(Courses begin Wed., Sept. 9, unless course outline on OWL indicates otherwise.)
Theology 9513a Research Methods
McClatchie, S.; Fridays, 9:30-12 (required course)
Theology 9507a History of Christian-Muslim Relations
Mattson, I., Mondays, 12:30-3:00 pm (Group A, Breadth Course)
Theology 9504a Pneumatology
Badcock, G.; Mondays, 3:30-6 pm (Group B, Focus Course)
WINTER 2021
(courses begin January 11, 2021 (NEW); all courses are online)
Theology 9514b Social Scientific Theories of Religion
Lemos, T.; Wednesdays, 1:30-4:20 (Group A, Breadth Course)
Theology 9512b Theology in a Global Context
Marks, D.; Tuesdays, 9:30-12:30 (Group A, Breadth Course)
Theology 9500b Theology of Anglican Sacraments (NEW)
Larson-Miller, L.; Tuesdays, 7-9:30 pm (Group B, Focus Course)
GROUP B FOCUS COURSES AS INDEPENDENT STUDIES
MA Independent Focus Course Form, please find form here.
Although focus courses are sometimes offered as seminars in the Group B range, the following professors teaching in our program can also work with you individually to fulfill your “Focus” course requirements. Other topics may also be available, so please ask!
Independent Focus Courses
Prof. William Acres, wacres@uwo.ca
• Interpreting Reformation History
• History as Theology, Theology as History
• Residential Schools in Canada: Sources and Methods
Prof. Gary Badcock, gbadcock@uwo.ca
• Christian Doctrine, Second Century to Chalcedon
• Philosophy and Theology in the Modern Period
• The Trinity
Prof. Lizette Larson-Miller, llarson@uwo.ca
• Liturgical History: East and West
• Liturgical and Sacramental Theologies
• Ritual and Place Studies
Prof. Tracy Lemos, tlemos@uwo.ca
• Approaches to Ancient Religion
• Personhood and Self in the Bible
• Gender, Sexuality, and Marriage in the Bible and Early Judaism
Prof. Darren Marks, dmarks@uwo.ca
• Early Modern and Modern Theology: Christian and Jewish
• Theology and Science
• Theology and Popular Culture
Prof. Ingrid Mattson, imattson@uwo.ca
• Qur’anic Studies
• Islamic Theological Ethics
• Muslim Women’s Spirituality
Prof. Stephen McClatchie, smcclatchie@uwo.ca
• Liturgical Music
• Music and Theology
• The Oxford Movement
Prof. Daniel Smith, dsmith89@uwo.ca
• The Death and Resurrection of Jesus: Text, Memory, Reception
• Paul in His Letters and in Early Christian Memory
• New Testament Theology
Prof. Todd Townshend, ttownshe@uwo.ca
• Preaching and Homiletical Theory
• Preaching and Liturgical Theology
• History of Preaching
Prof. John Dool, jdool@uwo.ca
• Contemporary Catholic Theology
• Theological Anthropology
Dr. Herb Gruning, hgruning@uwo.ca
• Models of Divinity
• Theological Anthropology
Prof. Gyongyi Hegedus, ghegedus@uwo.ca
• Rationalism and Mysticism in the Golden Age of Islam
• Medieval Jewish Philosophy
Dr. Michael Wagenman, mwagenma@uwo.ca
• Culture-Engaging Theologies
• The Church after Christendom
or
One graduate course in a closely cognate discipline at Western (e.g., for student proposing to concentrate in New Testament, a relevant course in Classical Studies), at the recommendation of the student’s advisor or supervisor, and subject to the approval of the program chair and of the instructor and department concerned. Students who take a full (1.0) graduate course in another discipline will be credited with no more than one half-course toward the concentration requirement.
FALL 2019 GRADUATE COURSE OFFERINGS
(classes begin September 5, 2019)
Theology 9513a Research Methods (required course)
Dr. Stephen McClatchie, tentatively, Friday’s, 9:30-12:30, W17
Theology 9515a Early Christian & Rabbinical Jewish Liturgy (Group A, Breadth Course)
Dr. Lizette Larson-Miller, Thursdays, 2:30-5:30, W102
Theology 9520a Theology & Existentialism (Group B, Focus Course)
Dr. Gary Badcock, Tuesdays, 1:30-2:30, Thursdays, 12:30-2:30, W102
WINTER 2020 COURSE OFFERINGS
(classes begin Monday January 6, 2020)
Theology 9550b New Testament Theology (Group A, Breadth Course)
Dr. Daniel Smith, tent. Tues., 11:30-1:30, Thurs., 11:30-12:30, W4
Theology 9505b Intro to Islamic Law (Group B, Focus Course)
Dr. Ingrid Mattson, tent. Mondays, 4:30-7:30 pm, W104
Theology 9540b Old Testament Theology: Sex, Marriage & Family in the Hebrew Bible (Group B, Focus Course)
Dr. Tracy Lemos, Mondays, 14:30-16:20 and Wed., 14:30-15:30, W102
GROUP B FOCUS COURSES AS INDEPENDENT STUDIES
MA Independent Focus Course Form, please find form here.
Although focus courses are sometimes offered as seminars in the Group B range, the following professors teaching in our program can also work with you individually to fulfill your “Focus” course requirements. Other topics may also be available, so please ask!
Independent Focus Courses
Prof. William Acres, wacres@uwo.ca
• Interpreting Reformation History
• History as Theology, Theology as History
• Residential Schools in Canada: Sources and Methods
Prof. Gary Badcock, gbadcock@uwo.ca
• Christian Doctrine, Second Century to Chalcedon
• Philosophy and Theology in the Modern Period
• The Trinity
Prof. Lizette Larson-Miller, llarson@uwo.ca
• Liturgical History: East and West
• Liturgical and Sacramental Theologies
• Ritual and Place Studies
Prof. Tracy Lemos, tlemos@uwo.ca
• Approaches to Ancient Religion
• Personhood and Self in the Bible
• Gender, Sexuality, and Marriage in the Bible and Early Judaism
Prof. Darren Marks, dmarks@uwo.ca
• Early Modern and Modern Theology: Christian and Jewish
• Theology and Science
• Theology and Popular Culture
Prof. Ingrid Mattson, imattson@uwo.ca
• Qur’anic Studies
• Islamic Theological Ethics
• Muslim Women’s Spirituality
Prof. Stephen McClatchie, smcclatchie@uwo.ca
• Liturgical Music
• Music and Theology
• The Oxford Movement
Prof. Daniel Smith, dsmith89@uwo.ca
• The Death and Resurrection of Jesus: Text, Memory, Reception
• Paul in His Letters and in Early Christian Memory
• New Testament Theology
Prof. Todd Townshend, ttownshe@uwo.ca
• Preaching and Homiletical Theory
• Preaching and Liturgical Theology
• History of Preaching
Prof. John Dool, jdool@uwo.ca
• Contemporary Catholic Theology
• Theological Anthropology
Dr. Herb Gruning, hgruning@uwo.ca
• Models of Divinity
• Theological Anthropology
Prof. Gyongyi Hegedus, ghegedus@uwo.ca
• Rationalism and Mysticism in the Golden Age of Islam
• Medieval Jewish Philosophy
Dr. Michael Wagenman, mwagenma@uwo.ca
• Culture-Engaging Theologies
• The Church after Christendom
or
One graduate course in a closely cognate discipline at Western (e.g., for student proposing to concentrate in New Testament, a relevant course in Classical Studies), at the recommendation of the student’s advisor or supervisor, and subject to the approval of the program chair and of the instructor and department concerned. Students who take a full (1.0) graduate course in another discipline will be credited with no more than one half-course toward the concentration requirement.
Interdisciplinary Grad Courses at UWO (e.g., Languages)
Grad Courses at Other Canadian Universities
International Exchange
Taking Undergraduate Courses
Sample Degree Timeline Full-time Student
Sample Degree Timeline Part-time Student
FALL 2018 COURSE OFFERINGS
(classes begin September 7, 2018)
If you wish to complete your language requirement, or take a course in another department at UWO or at another university, please see the links just above for instructions and forms. Plan ahead for registration at another university. Give yourself enough time to complete all the paperwork. Theology MA students will be emailed to request your registration.
Theology 9513a Research Methods (Group A Breadth Course)
An on-line (at owl.uwo.ca) course, self-directed.
2018 course outline tba
WINTER 2019 COURSE OFFERINGS
(classes begin January 7, 2019)
If you wish to complete your language requirement, or take a course in another department at UWO or at another university, please see the links just above for instructions and forms. Plan ahead for registration at another university. Give yourself enough time to complete all the paperwork. Theology MA students will be emailed to request your registration.
Theology 9514b Social Scientific Theories of Religion (Group A Breadth Course)
Dr. Tracy Lemos, date/time tba
In-depth reading of major sources in social-scientific approaches, with particular attention to classic works and authors. Role of social sciences in RS and Theology will be addressed.
Theology 9530b Theology of Karl Barth (Group B Focus Course)
Dr. Gary Badcock, Mondays, 10:30-11:30; Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30, Rm. W4
MA Course Calendar
MA in Theology Courses (graduate-level studies only)
Theology 9513: Research Methods
Will be offered every term. This course requirement (Pass/Fail) will be engaged with the student’s Thesis Advisor. A student will not be expected to register for this course until such time as they have selected a Thesis Advisor.
0.5 course
Group A (Breadth Courses)
Theology 9510: Theology and Practice
An interdisciplinary study of the theological problem of moral and political practice. Attention will be given to select historical, doctrinal and exegetical questions which frame classical and contemporary approaches in moral and political theology.
0.5 course
Theology 9511: Theology and Interpretation
An interdisciplinary study of the place and problem of the theological interpretation of scripture in Christian theology, and of its contemporary possibilities, drawing on biblical, philosophical, and theological sources.
0.5 course
Theology 9512: Theology in the Global Context
An interdisciplinary study of some major trends in contemporary global Christian theology. Specific attention will be given to issues such as religious pluralism, gender, wealth, ecumenism, enculturation and mission. These will be examined in the light of the fact that Christianity is today a global rather than a uniquely Western religion.
0.5 course
Theology 9514b Social-Scientific Theories of Religion
In-depth reading of major sources in social-scientific approaches, with particular attention to classic works and authors. Role of social sciences in RS and Theology will be addressed.
0.5 course
or
One-half Graduate course in another university discipline at UWO, at the recommendation of the student’s advisor or supervisor, and subject to the approval of the program chair and of the instructor and department concerned. Students who take a full (1.0) graduate course in another discipline will be credited with no more than one half-course (0.5) toward the breadth requirement.
Group B (Focus Courses)
Although focus courses are sometimes offered as seminars in the Group B range, the following professors teaching in our program can also work with you individually to fulfill your “Focus” course requirements. Other topics may also be available, so please ask!
MA Theology: Independent Focus Courses
Prof. William Acres, wacres@uwo.ca
• Interpreting Reformation History
• History as Theology, Theology as History
• Residential Schools in Canada: Sources and Methods
Prof. Gary Badcock, gbadcock@uwo.ca
• Christian Doctrine, Second Century to Chalcedon
• Philosophy and Theology in the Modern Period
• The Trinity
Prof. Lizette Larson-Miller, llarson@uwo.ca
• Liturgical History: East and West
• Liturgical and Sacramental Theologies
• Ritual and Place Studies
Prof. Tracy Lemos, tlemos@uwo.ca
• Approaches to Ancient Religion
• Personhood and Self in the Bible
• Gender, Sexuality, and Marriage in the Bible and Early Judaism
Prof. Darren Marks, dmarks@uwo.ca
• Early Modern and Modern Theology: Christian and Jewish
• Theology and Science
• Theology and Popular Culture
Prof. Ingrid Mattson, imattson@uwo.ca
• Qur’anic Studies
• Islamic Theological Ethics
• Muslim Women’s Spirituality
Prof. Stephen McClatchie, smcclatchie@uwo.ca
• Liturgical Music
• Music and Theology
• The Oxford Movement
Prof. Daniel Smith, dsmith89@uwo.ca
• The Death and Resurrection of Jesus: Text, Memory, Reception
• Paul in His Letters and in Early Christian Memory
• New Testament Theology
Prof. Todd Townshend, ttownshe@uwo.ca
• Preaching and Homiletical Theory
• Preaching and Liturgical Theology
• History of Preaching
Prof. John Dool, jdool@uwo.ca
• Contemporary Catholic Theology
• Theological Anthropology
Dr. Herb Gruning, hgruning@uwo.ca
• Models of Divinity
• Theological Anthropology
Prof. Gyongyi Hegedus, ghegedus@uwo.ca
• Rationalism and Mysticism in the Golden Age of Islam
• Medieval Jewish Philosophy
Dr. Michael Wagenman, mwagenma@uwo.ca
• Culture-Engaging Theologies
• The Church after Christendom
or
One graduate course in a closely cognate discipline at Western (e.g., for student proposing to concentrate in New Testament, a relevant course in Classical Studies), at the recommendation of the student’s advisor or supervisor, and subject to the approval of the program chair and of the instructor and department concerned. Students who take a full (1.0) graduate course in another discipline will be credited with no more than one half-course toward the concentration requirement.
Learn from and research alongside experts in the interdisciplinary field of Theology. Our professors will shed light on unique perspectives based on their specific areas of publishing. They look forward to welcoming you into an inclusive community where ideas are respected, encouraged, and debated. Get to know the people who will support your graduate studies and empower you to become a Leader with Heart.
You love to learn and you’re prepared to tackle challenging subject matter because you recognize the importance of continuously sharpening your knowledge, as well as your capacity for critical and creative thought. The best part about this is your future employers are going to sincerely appreciate these qualities, and you’ll find the skills you enhance through this program of study will help you stand out in any modern workplace.
Learn where your Master of Arts will take you and feel excited to follow in the paths of wise theologians and vibrant agents of social change.
Recruitment Specialist, Türkiye
Recruitment Specialist
Hey, I’m Your Personal Admissions Advisor for Huron
Recruitment Specialist
Hey, I’m Your Personal Admissions Advisor for Huron
Recruitment Specialist
Hey, I’m Your Personal Admissions Advisor for Huron
International Admissions Advisor,
Middle East
Book a Zoom Call with me!
International Admissions Advisor
Book a Zoom Call with me!
International Admissions Advisor,
South Asia
Book a Zoom Call with me!
International Admissions Advisor,
East Asia
WeChat/微信: RayWuCanada
+86 130.5131.8782
Book a Zoom Call with me!
International Admissions Advisor, Africa & Europe
Email: zayn.nasser@huron.uwo.ca
Calendly: calendly.com/zaynnasser
Leigh Allen is the AVP, Global Strategic Research, Reinsurance Group of America Inc., one of the world’s largest global life and reinsurance companies.
As a proud Huron ‘93 alumna, Allen says she was both thrilled and honoured when asked to join the Board. “I love the Leadership with Heart campaign,” she shares. “I’m excited to be part of this and will work to help Huron differentiate itself and become a destination for a Liberal Arts education in Canada.”
Allen graduated from Huron with a degree in Psychology. After having worked in consulting, at the United Nations and now the reinsurance industry, she says her Liberal Arts education has helped her in achieving these positions and opening doors.
“A Liberal Arts background gives you a bit more latitude to explore your personality and interests, strengths and dislikes – there’s a lot of opportunity,” she says. “There’s more appetite to go in different directions.”
Having also volunteered her time with the London Goodenough Association of Canada, which fosters alumni development and community relations, Allen is enthusiastic for her work on the Board of Governors. Huron, she says, is the perfect university in which to produce future leaders and change makers.
“We need to develop future generations to be broad thinkers and open to inclusivity,” she says. “I met a lot of people here who are amazing and I’ve kept those bonds and ties even when we’re in different countries.
“It’s unusual to have those relationships, a sense of community and belonging, but Huron fosters these with ease.”
Yola Ventresca is a Managing Partner, Lerners LLP, Secretary of Huron’s Board of Governors and a Huron Class of ’02 alumni. Selected as one of Canada’s “Best Lawyers,” she is passionate about the value of Liberal Arts in helping students succeed in their careers.
“Not only does it prepare you to be very successful within your profession, but this type of well-rounded programming forms you as a person,” she says. “People have lost this communal sense of what the Liberal Arts can offer, and I am going to support a change in that narrative in any way I can.”
Outside of law, Ventresca is committed to improving her community whether through volunteer work with community organizations or promoting the advancement of women in the legal profession. As a member of Huron’s Board of Governors, she says she is excited for the role she can personally play in shifting systemic inequalities and preparing students to positively influence others through empathetic and inclusive decision making.
“A Leader with Heart has an academic inclination, but they are also highly emotionally intelligent and compassionate towards people who differ from them,” she says. “As a lawyer, I see the importance of this type of leader every single day. I have a real desire to encourage people to recognize the value of that flexibility in thought and critical capacity that allows my colleagues to really engage with people from all walks of life.”
International Admissions Advisor,
South East Asia
Book a Zoom Call with me!
Lisa Jones Keenan is the Vice President of Sales at Xplornet Communications, the largest rural fixed wireless broadband service provider in Canada.
In her work, Jones Keenan is known for fostering positive company cultures and productivity. She credits transferrable skills for her ability to move into roles she may not have otherwise considered. With the ever-evolving demands of the modern economy, ensuring young people can similarly adapt within new industries is one of the reasons Jones Keenan joined Huron’s Board of Governors.
“It might be presumptuous to say that a university has a social and moral prerogative to develop well-rounded, well-intentioned people,” Jones Keenan states. “But, at Huron you don’t have to suggest it – the university’s sense of obligation to form people who will benefit humanity is built into everything Leadership does.”
Jones Keenan has kept leadership development at the forefront of her career. When talking about the immediate need for an education that develops people skills and leadership potential, she emphasizes how Huron’s unique model of teaching can transform our future economy.
“So much of what I do focuses on coaching people who are already well-established in their careers yet still need that encouragement to be compassionate and empathetic in the office,” Jones Keenan shares. “To be able to start that learning in post-secondary school will not only be such a benefit to our students, but to the business world more broadly.”
Ranjita is Executive Chair of the Oxford Global Partnership, advising investors, businesses, family offices and entrepreneurs on sustainable, inclusive and responsible value creation. A Business Fellow at Oxford University’s Smith School, Ranjita engages with companies on pursuing value with values, and teaches a postgraduate “Essentials of ESG & DEI” course.
Rajan’s passion and professional raison d’être is supporting and shaping imaginative organizations and businesses as exemplars of outstanding value creation, responsible governance and equitable, inclusive net-zero sustainable development (“NZSD”). Over a decade at McKinsey & Co, Rajan advised public, private and family-owned businesses in retail, telecoms, energy, mining, banking, finance on value creation. She was a founding member of McKinsey’s Climate Change Special Initiative, today its Sustainability Practice. Rajan started her career as a macroeconomist in Africa and Asia, negotiating financing for structural adjustment and sustainable development projects and laying the foundations for NZSD as a non-negotiable.
Rajan is also Founder of the Karta Initiative, a global social mobility movement, building technology, finance, and networks to bridge the divide between ‘base of pyramid’ youth and world leading universities and employers in Canada, India and the UK.
Rajan’s passion for inclusive prosperity comes from a childhood spent in rural, remote Liberia where she witnessed how accident of birth is a key driver of life outcomes. Here, she saw firsthand how the basic necessities, such as running water and electricity, are markers of privilege for many people. At the same time, Rajan says “even a tiny drop of opportunity and access to education or training” can make a tremendous difference to nurture potential and improve equality of outcomes.
“In the early days of Karta, we reached out to Canadian universities to explore their interest in international inclusion, and I was introduced to Barry. It did not take long to realize we were totally, utterly mission aligned,” she says. “What we wanted – and are both still working hard to achieve – is the removal of barriers to opportunity so a more representative group of young people can excel and thrive in world class environments.”
As a member of Huron’s Board, Rajan is excited to support Huron as a world class university, globally celebrated for its world class education and advancement of inclusive prosperity, social mobility, and equitable NZSD.
Michael Medline is the President and CEO of Empire Company Limited and Sobeys Inc., a leading Canadian grocery retailer with grocery and ecommerce brands that reach across Canada, including Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, FreshCo, Foodland, Thrifty Foods, Farm Boy, Longo’s and Voilà.
Medline is a Huron Class of ’84 Alumnus. In 2021, Medline returned to Huron as a member of the Board of Governors in order to “contribute to a school and part of his life that means so much to him.” A passionate advocate for the Liberal Arts, Medline is focused on supporting Huron to “take the Liberal Arts experience to another level.”
As the CEO of one of Canada’s largest and longest-running food retailers, Medline understands what it takes to attain success by combining profitability and a values-based approach to business. He attributes a part of his career success to Huron, saying Liberal Arts can “springboard” students to pursue their passions across countless fields.
“I strongly believe in the value of the Liberal Arts. What you learn is how to communicate, ingest and synthesize a large amount of information,” he says. “The ability to think critically and innovatively have been integral to my business career and our students will benefit immensely from learning to adapt, embrace change and follow their passions.”
As part of Huron’s Board of Governors, Medline hopes to build on the university’s vision to develop students through a strong educational foundation, a belief in the common good and a commitment to civic engagement.
“When I went there, I absolutely loved everything about Huron,” he says. “The institution is definitely getting better every single year. It’s an amazing place to get an education.”
Beyond his business accomplishments, Medline is active in the community. He serves as a member of the Board of the SickKids Foundation and is currently Chair of the Grocery Foundation. He holds an MBA from Raymond A. Mason School of Business, William & Mary; an LL.B. from the University of Toronto, and, of course, a BA from Huron University College at Western University. Medline also proudly received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Huron College in 2020.
Susan Farrow is an Assistant Professor in The Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto and a Founding Partner and Co-Director of The Toronto Institute of Group Studies, an organization offering certified training and education in group leadership.
“Our public education systems have recently been more focused on STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and math), which are extremely important,” says the Huron ’85 alumni. “However, we cannot lose the significant value of the humanities – the subjects that truly help educate us to communicate, better understand each other, and be caring and decent human beings.”
Farrow has been a committed clinician and educator throughout her career, with expertise in mental health and psychotherapy. High on her list of priorities as a member of the Board of Governors will be to ensure there is a real focus on the student experience, and their wellbeing, particularly with respect to mental health.
Saying she was “honoured” to be asked to join the Board, Farrow notes she was already avidly watching Huron’s commitment to creating Leaders with Heart. “This focus on developing and giving back to our communities is essential for us to make both the local and global changes that are so necessary to our world today,” she says.
Farrow remembers her Huron experience as “an amazing learning environment” and hopes to give back to Huron to express her gratitude for the incredibly positive impact Huron has had on her life.
Frank Holmes is CEO and Chief Investment Officer of U.S. Global Investors, as well as a business commentator, philanthropist and Huron Class of ‘78 alumnus. Holmes also serves as the Executive Chairman of HIVE Blockchain Technologies, the first cryptocurrency mining company to go public in 2017.
Born in Toronto, ON, Holmes says he was exposed to many different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds as a child. As a result, he says he developed a determination to leverage the capacity he built through U.S. Global Investors to invest in charities that give underserved kids a leg up.
“My goals have always been to create economic growth and a better well-being for the communities I work within,” he says. “I have always believed in giving back and, as you become more readily able to do so, you should recognize your obligation to invest in the people and spaces around you.
“That giving mentality has to go hand-in-hand with prosperity.”
In recent years, Holmes has reconnected with Huron, intrigued both by the school’s academic offerings and its commitment to civic engagement. His forward-looking vision aligns well with the university’s commitment to innovating and strengthening itself as an international leader with the same growth mindset it will foster within its students.
“Good leaders have a growth mindset,” he says. “They are not forced into learning, but instead are naturally curious and excited about taking the initiative to challenge their own preconceived notions. Huron is nurturing a new generation of students who are inspired to be transparent and accountable. Not only do they have drive, but their high achievement is underlined by a willingness to disrupt the status quo and give back.
“Who wouldn’t get excited about that?”
Caleb Hayhoe is the Founder & Chairman of Flowerdale Group and a Huron Class of ’85 Alumnus. Flowerdale Group is a Hong Kong based family office with a global investment outlook across public markets, real estate and private investment. Hayhoe previously spent over ten years building a global sourcing business together with an exceptional team, and remains committed to entrepreneurialism and helping great ideas become sustainable companies.
Hayhoe prioritizes character above all else when looking at who and what to invest in. “I have hired hundreds of people, and what I always look for is how people do things,” Hayhoe says. “As the world becomes increasingly globalized, businesses have access to countless intelligent, qualified people. However, cultural capital is what really counts: you need to be willing to learn, work well with people from diverse backgrounds and accept ideas that starkly differ from your own.”
Hayhoe, who currently lives in London, UK, remains an avid believer in the value of a Liberal Arts education. As a member of Huron’s Board of Governors, he hopes to reaffirm and support the responsibility of educational institutions to develop graduates who have integrity and who recognize the importance of balancing financial success with social responsibility.
He looks forward to working with Huron’s Board of Governors to create a legacy at Huron that stands for the core fundamental values of treating people with dignity and respect and acting in the best interests of society.
“I am excited about the opportunity to help my alma mater become an even more representative and dynamic school that emphasizes integrity, celebrates uniqueness and never loses that sense of home it had when I attended,” he says.
Kelly Meighen is an experienced philanthropist and volunteer. In her role as president of the T.R. Meighen Family Foundation, she has created a legacy of volunteerism and philanthropic giving in the areas of youth mental health advocacy, environmental conservation and cultural vibrancy.
A Huron Class of ’71 alumnus, Meighen also holds an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Huron, conferred to her on the 156th Founder’s Day. She is putting strategic planning and governance skills to work as part of Huron’s Board of Governors to help amplify the school’s as an elite Liberal Arts institution with an inclusive environment designed to welcome people from all backgrounds.
“Huron’s advantages have always been obvious to the people who appreciate that kind of an environment,” she says. “My hope is that our Board can help broadly share the vision of the school as I cannot imagine how it would not resonate with a very broad and enthusiastic audience.”
Meighen says Huron’s emphasis on personalized support, equitable opportunity and community integration has never been so important.
“Now, we just need to ensure our message reaches everyone who recognizes the mutual benefit of intellectual pursuit and personal development,” she says. “Huron’s intention to deliver an education that prioritizes the student as an individual while fostering their role within society will no doubt benefit both learners and their communities alike.”
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