Saint Mark’s College and Corpus Christi College Announce Dr. Peter Matthew Meehan as New Principal and President

Vancouver, BC, June 16, 2014 –The Board of Directors of Saint Mark’s College and Corpus Christi College is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Peter Matthew Meehan as the next Principal pro tem of Saint Mark’s College and President of Corpus Christi College for an initial five-year term, effective August 1, 2014. Saint Mark’s, the theological college affiliated with the University of British Columbia (UBC), and Corpus Christi, the liberal arts college, are both located on UBC’s Vancouver campus.

The appointment follows an international search that began shortly after the Vatican announced the appointment of previous President and Principal Bishop Mark Hagemoen, then Father Mark, to the Diocese of MacKenzie-Fort Smith last November. During the transition period, Dr. Paul Burns, Dean of Liberal Arts at Corpus Christi College, stepped in to assume leadership of both Colleges on an interim basis.

Dr. Meehan is a Canadian Historian with a particular interest in the social, educational and political history of the Catholic Church in Canada, and in-depth knowledge on the history of the Basilian Fathers, who helped found Saint Mark’s College.

An experienced secondary and post-secondary educator, Dr. Meehan most recently served in numerous capacities at Seneca College, including as Dean, Academic Quality and Partnerships. In addition to being an administrator and professor at Seneca College, he is an adjunct professor of Church history in the Toronto School of Theology (St. Augustine’s Seminary), and has Associate Standing in the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto.

Dr. Meehan has extensive experience developing and nurturing academic pathways and partnerships between colleges and universities. He has led negotiations with Ontario universities resulting in articulation agreements that resulted in Seneca College becoming the “university through college” model in the Province of Ontario.

Dr. Meehan has a Master of Arts (M.A.) in History from the University of Windsor, and a Doctor of Education (Ed. D.) in History from the University of Toronto.

“Dr. Meehan’s appointment is excellent news for the future of Catholic higher education in Vancouver. He continues the tradition of strong leadership and brings a new vision for what is possible for the Colleges,” said Neysa Finnie, Chair of the Search Committee, which worked with Laverne Smith & Associates Inc. during the search process.

“The role of Principal/President of St. Mark’s/Corpus Christi offers a rich opportunity to unite my experiences in teaching, scholarship and administration with my commitment to Catholic educational leadership,” commented Dr. Meehan. “Meeting with members of the board, faculty, staff and students through the selection process, I was struck by their remarkable energy and enthusiasm to continue to grow and develop the Colleges in both their educational and spiritual dimensions. I am looking forward to coming to Vancouver and to working with this vibrant community to make St. Mark’s/Corpus Christi a centre for Catholic intellectual life, and a place that meets people where they are on the journey of faith at UBC.”

“On behalf of the members of the Boards of Saint Mark’s College and Corpus Christi College, I wish to thank Bishop Hagemoen for his contribution to the Colleges’ development,” said Michelle Chang, Board Chair. “During his three-year tenure, Bishop Hagemoen not only streamlined many of the Colleges’ programs, but also laid the foundation for a new Bachelor of Theology program from which the Colleges might springboard into further expansion.”

“I would also like to express our profound appreciation to Dr. Paul Burns for stepping in without hesitation and on short notice to assume the helm of the Colleges on an interim basis, ” continued Chang adding, “His contribution to the Colleges over the last few months has been invaluable as it has allowed the Colleges to operate seamlessly during this transition period. Our gratitude to Dr. Burns extends beyond his contribution as Interim Principal and President, as he has played a significant role in streamlining the delivery of courses at Corpus Christi College in his continuing role as Dean of Liberal Arts. We look forward to further program development at the Colleges through collaboration between Drs. Burns and Meehan.”

About Saint Mark’s College

Saint Mark’s College, the Catholic Theological College affiliated with the University of British Columbia, offers graduate degree programs to teachers, administrators, health workers, and other professionals; an undergraduate program for aspiring teachers; and certificates in Religious Education, Theological Studies, Pastoral Studies, and Catholic Ministry Leadership. The College also provides the academic component of the Archdiocese of Vancouver’s program of formation for the permanent deaconate. Open to students from all faith backgrounds, the College’s academic programs are rooted in the long-standing and academically rigourous Catholic intellectual tradition.

About Corpus Christi College

Corpus Christi College is a Catholic liberal arts college located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, offering Associate of Arts degree programs and university-transfer courses in arts, business, and science. Along with small classes and a supportive learning community, the College offers inspirational leadership opportunities, integrated student life and social justice programs, and service-learning trips. Open to students from all faith backgrounds, the College’s academic programs are rooted in the long-standing and academically rigourous Catholic intellectual tradition.

Contact: Paul C. Burns, B.Litt., Ph.D., Interim Principal, Saint Mark’s College 604.822.6862 | [email protected] | stmarkscollege.ca