Dr. Mark Yenson Appointed as King's Vice-President and Academic Dean
King’s University College has appointed Dr. Mark Yenson as Vice-President and Academic Dean for a five-year term following a national and international search.
The appointment was made by King’s Board of Directors upon the recommendation of President Dr. Robert Ventresca and received overwhelming support from the Board.
“Dr. Yenson brings considerable academic leadership experience to the role, along with a deep understanding of King’s and a strong commitment to our students and their learning,” says Dr. Ventresca. “A measure of Mark’s genuine commitment to our academic mission is his intention to stay engaged in teaching.”
“Over the past two years, I have seen firsthand the steady, thoughtful and principled leadership Dr. Yenson brings to King’s. He is a trusted leader of tremendous integrity, with a clear and compelling vision for the future of academic life at King’s.”
Dr. Yenson joined King’s in 2010 as a faculty member in Religious Studies, where he taught and developed courses in the Catholic Studies program. His research and publications focus on historical and systematic theology. He served as Chair of the Department of Religious Studies and Associate Academic Dean before being appointed Interim Vice-President and Academic Dean in September 2024.
As Vice-President and Academic Dean, Dr. Yenson will lead King’s academic planning and priorities, with responsibility for areas including academic programs and innovation, academic advising, the Registrar’s Office and the library.
An important part of that work will be strengthening what distinguishes a King’s education: strong academic programs, opportunities to ask difficult questions and explore new ideas, and the relationships between students and faculty that are at the heart of the King’s experience. Dr. Yenson will also continue to strengthen King’s academic relationship with Western University and work closely with Academic Council on King’s academic priorities.
“I am honoured to serve as VPAD and look forward to deepening King’s mission together — our commitment to academic excellence, the shared search for wisdom, and the building of the common good,” says Dr. Yenson.
The appointment follows an extensive search and consultation process that included interviews, small-group discussions and surveys with members of the King’s community. The Search Advisory Committee considered candidates from across Canada and internationally before recommending finalists for consideration.
"Our committee conducted a rigorous and collaborative search process. After multiple rounds of interviews and careful deliberation, we recommended a candidate who champions our academic mission and is committed to King’s long-term success,” explains Dr. John Grant, a member of the Search Advisory Committee.
King’s thanks the members of the Search Advisory Committee for the considerable time and care they brought to the process, as well as members of the King’s community who contributed their perspectives.