Past Chancellors

Tyndale University has an impressive history of impacting students both locally and globally. Founded in 1894 as the Toronto Bible Training School, it had as its first president Elmore Harris and engaged William Boyd Stewart as its first principal. It was not until 1968 when the school merged with the London College of Bible and Missions did it become known as OBC (Ontario Bible College), and in 1975 appointed its first chancellor, Stuart Boehmer.

Chancellors, as the honorary and titular head of a university, serves in a number of different capacities; however, Tyndale’s chancellors have demonstrated their dedication and desire to perpetuate the legacy begun so many years ago by its founders.

Dr. Stewart Boehmer

Chancellor: 1975 - 1989

For 39 years, Dr. Stewart Boehmer was associated with Ontario Bible College and was known for his outstanding contribution to its development and growth. He served as a member of the Board of Governors from 1950-1963, and became President of The Toronto Bible College in 1963, after which he faithfully served for more than 11 years, bringing to his position a pastor’s heart, business accumen and a wide reputation in...

Dr. William McRae

Chancellor: 1993 - 1998

A former school teacher, Dr. McRae was trained at Toronto Teachers College in 1955, attended Queens University in 1966, and studied at Dallas Theological Seminary in 1970 and 1983. He taught for two years in the public school system, and from 1966 to 1975 he was involved in pastoral and Bible teaching ministry. In 1982 he became president of Ontario Bible College and Ontario Theological Seminary in Toronto, Canada,...

Dr. V.S. Carrington Tony Tyndale

Chancellor: 1998 - 1999

Appointed as Chancellor in 1998, Vere Stafford Carrington (Tony) Tyndale is, in fact, thirteenth generation of William Tyndale’s elder brother Edward; William being the 16th century pioneer of the English Bible and the namesake of Tyndale College & Seminary (formerly known as Ontario Bible College and Ontario Theological Seminary). Citing Dr. Tyndale’s godly character and vision, along with his outstanding years...

Dr. John N. Gladstone

Chancellor: 2000 - 2005

Reverend Dr. John N. Gladstone was appointed Chancellor by the Board of Governors in the year 2000. Dr. Gladstone served with distinction in one of Canada’s historic pulpits at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church from 1965-1991. His vision for the church in society challenged the evangelical community to rethink their calling to be salt and light in this age. The son of a Baptist minister, Dr. Gladstone was born in...

The Honourable Jake Epp

Chancellor: 2005 - 2009

The Honorable Jake Epp served as Chancellor of Tyndale University College & Seminary from 2005 to 2009. Mr. Epp previously had an illustrious career as a politician and a leader in the private and public energy field. He was first elected to the House of Commons in 1972 as Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. Subsequently, he served as Minister of Energy North of the 60th parallel, Chairman of...

Dr. Brian Stiller

Chancellor: 2009 - 2010

Following his years as President of Tyndale University College & Seminary, Brian Stiller was appointed as its Chancellor in 2009. Stiller was raised in a Pentecostal minister’s home on the prairies. Educated at the University of Toronto (BA in History), Wycliffe College (Master of Religion), and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (Doctor of Ministry), he has received honorary doctorates from Briercrest College...

Dr. Stephanie Ling

Chancellor: 2012 - 2015

Dr. Stephanie Ling was appointed to the position of Chancellor in April 2012 and served in that capacity until October 2015. As Chancellor, she inspired and celebrated Tyndale’s successes and served as a bridge between Tyndale and the community by bringing external and internal communities together. Dr. Ling was born and raised in Victoria, British Columbia where she attained a B.Ed. degree at the University of...

Dr. John Wilkinson

Chancellor: 2015 - 2020

Dr. John Wilkinson was appointed to the position of Chancellor in 2015 and served in that capacity until 2020. During his 25 years of service and teaching at Tyndale, Dr. Wilkinson established a camp administration major as well as a youth ministry major (OBC) and created the first graduate program in youth ministry in North America at the seminary (OTS). He also served as the VP of Strategic Planning and as the VP...

Mrs. Harriet Thornhill

Chancellor: 2023 - Present

Mrs. Harriet Thornhill is a values-based business leader with extensive leadership and business experience with the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). In addition to an exceptional and distinguished career that has taken her throughout Quebec, Ontario and the Caribbean, Harriet has tirelessly coached, mentored and served others. Always an ambassador for growing the next generation of talent, she has inspired and supported...