On Sept. 27, Reverend Dr. Daranne Harris, was installed as the new Principal-Dean of Martin Luther University College (Luther) during a service at Trillium Lutheran Church in Waterloo.
Rev. Dr. Harris is Luther’s 17th Principal-Dean in its history. Rev. Dr. Harris was appointed as the new Principal-Dean back in June; her position officially began on Aug. 10.
The Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the regional body that works with congregations across Eastern Canada, welcomed her to her position over the summer. The installation service formally marked the beginning of her leadership at Luther.
Rev. Dr. Harris is succeeding Rev. Kristine Lund, who became Martin Luther University College’s first female Principal-Dean in 2021. Before joining Luther, Rev. Dr. Harris previously worked as the Director of Communications and Education at Canadian Lutheran World Relief, as well as the vicep-resident and Chief Mission Officer at Bethany Care Society.
Rev. Dr. Harris also served as the director of the Doctor of Ministry program and pastoral care faculty at the Saskatoon Theological Union. The union encompasses Lutheran Theological Seminary, College of Emmanuel and St. Chad, and St. Andrew’s College.
As an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, she has served at Hope Lutheran Church in Calgary, she also worked as a supply pastor for congregations within the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Alberta and the Territories.
In all, Rev. Dr. Harris is bringing more than 25 years of leadership and experience to this role. Experience that carries across post-secondary education, healthcare, humanitarian aid and development to the Principal-Dean role.
As Principal-Dean, Rev. Dr. Harris leads Luther’s academic and administrative work. The position involves working with students and faculty, and guides the college’s relationship with Laurier, the church and the community.
The connection that Wilfrid Laurier University with Luther is over 100 years old. Luther, then called Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, was founded in 1911 and grew into the institution that founded Wilfrid Laurier University and helped establish the University of Waterloo. As the founding institution, the seminary remained federated with Laurier when the university became publicly funded in 1973. In 2018, Martin Luther University College was adopted as a new name.
Rev. Dr. Durranne Harris is beginning her term within this longstanding tradition. And with it came a ceremony to remember. “We welcome people from many faith traditions and from no faith tradition,” Rev. Dr. Harris said.
Contributed photo from Martin Luther University College
