Acadia Divinity College (ADC) President, Rev. Dr. Harry Gardner, recently announced changes in leadership to two key programs and two upcoming retirements.
The Doctor of Ministry Program Changes
Effective February 10, 2018, Dr. Stuart Blythe, who joined Acadia Divinity College in September 2017 as the John Gladstone Associate Professor of Preaching and Worship, has accepted the position of Director of Doctoral Studies.
Dr. Gardner stated,
“Stuart is well suited for this Director role coming to Acadia as Rector of the International Baptist Theological Study Centre in Amsterdam, formerly in Prague. Before his service in the Netherlands, he was on the faculty of the Scottish Baptist College, and earlier in his ministry career, he served as a pastor in two churches in Glasgow.”
Dr. Anna Robbins, Professor, recently appointed to the Dr. Millard R. Cherry Chair of Theology, Ethics, and Culture in November 2017, has provided excellent leadership as the Director of Doctoral Studies between August 2012 and February 2018.
Dr. Gardner stated,
“I am grateful to Anna for her oversight of the Doctor of Ministry Program for more than 5 years, as well as her continuing leadership at the College as the first Director of the Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith and Culture and Vice-President of the College. This change in responsibilities will release her to focus on the development of our newest Centre of Excellence and her teaching.”
Dr. Jody Linkletter, Lecturer in Youth and Family Ministries, will continue as Associate Director of Doctoral Studies.
Dr. John McNally, current Program Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program, stated,
“Jody’s years of experience and creativity will support the continued strength of the Doctor of Ministry Program. Her leadership and administrative abilities are appreciated and will be a dynamic combination with the many strengths of Dr. Blythe, the new Director of Doctoral Studies.”
Mentored Ministry Program Changes
Dr. John McNally, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology, will complete his service as the Program Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program. He has accepted the position of Director of the Mentored Ministry Program. This transition will take place over the coming months.
Dr. Gardner stated,
“John will provide excellent leadership to the Mentored Ministry Program having served as a pastoral mentor to students, bringing his breadth of pastoral ministry experience.”
Upcoming Retirements
Dr. Carol Anne Janzen

Dr. Robert Wilson

Dr. Carol Anne Janzen, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology, will retire from Acadia Divinity College, effective May 15, 2018. She has provided very able leadership to the Mentored Ministry Program in addition to serving as the Director of the Charles J. Taylor Centre for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care. Carol Anne has developed close relationships with ADC students having been the Dean of Students and valued member of faculty.
Dr. Robert Wilson, the Thomas James Armstrong Memorial Senior Professor of Church History, having officially retired previously, will complete his service at the end of this academic year. He has provided excellent service to ADC since 1991. In addition to his role in faculty, Bob has made a very significant contribution to the life of the College having served for a period of time as Academic Dean as well as Interim President for six months in 2007.
There will be two events in the Spring to honour our retirees. Please save these dates. More details to follow.
Dr. Carol Anne Janzen
Date: Sunday, April 8, 2018
Time: Afternoon
Location: Garden Room,
K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre,
Acadia University
Dr. Robert Wilson
Date: Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Time: Evening
Location: Sheldon L. Fountain Learning Commons,
Acadia University