Providence University College Celebrates Century with $20M Expansion

Providence University College and Theological Seminary is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a series of events, including a significant $20 million renovation and expansion plan aimed at enhancing educational opportunities in southern Manitoba. The centennial festivities commenced with a homecoming festival beginning on September 5, 2023, culminating in a major concert featuring Grammy winner Zach Williams and Juno winner Jordan St. Cyr on the evening of September 6 at the newly opened Southeast Event Centre in Steinbach.

Provost Nicholas Greco expressed the importance of this milestone, stating, “One hundred years only happens once in the life of a university like ours, and so we thought, well, how can we make a splash in southern Manitoba?” The concert aims to be one of the largest events ever hosted in Steinbach, drawing attention to the institution’s legacy and future aspirations.

The proposed renovations at Providence University College will make the campus more accessible and better equipped to serve students in various disciplines, including arts, science, and aviation. Additionally, the expansion of its non-denominational seminary aims to further propagate the Christian faith in the region. The institution is also seeking to gain provincial recognition under the Advanced Education Administration Act, which would enhance its capacity to offer degrees and access government grants.

Founded in 1925 as the Winnipeg Bible Training School, Providence has evolved significantly over the decades. Currently located in Otterburne, Manitoba, with a secondary campus in Winnipeg, the college reported an enrollment of 1,500 students last year. The institution collaborates with public universities, including the University of Manitoba, facilitating credit transfers and broadening educational pathways for its students.

The centennial celebrations include an awards ceremony at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg on September 5, where 26 individuals will be honored for their contributions to the college, including the late Muriel D. Taylor, one of the first faculty members. Taylor’s legacy is commemorated by naming a building on the Otterburne campus in her honor. “She was a woman teaching in a university setting and in a religious university setting, which I think would be doubly challenging for her,” Greco remarked.

As part of its strategy for growth, Providence aims to achieve official university status, which President Kenton Anderson believes would elevate the institution’s standing and provide a stronger voice in provincial post-secondary policy discussions. This recognition would also support the development of new programs, such as agriculture, which Greco highlights as essential for retaining graduates in southern Manitoba.

The college has seen a diverse student body, including international students from countries such as India, Nigeria, and the Philippines, particularly in business programs offered at the Winnipeg campus. Despite current federal restrictions limiting the number of international students, Providence is actively working to increase its intake by collaborating with recruitment agencies.

Over the years, Providence has undergone several name changes, reflecting its growth and evolving mission. It became the Winnipeg Bible College in 1964 and adopted its current name in 2011. Throughout its history, the institution has maintained a Christian perspective while welcoming students from all backgrounds.

In summary, Providence University College not only celebrates its rich history but also looks forward to a future of expanded educational opportunities and community engagement in southern Manitoba, marking a significant chapter in its storied existence.