Providence University College Unveils $20M Expansion Plans for Centennial

Providence University College and Theological Seminary is embarking on a significant $20 million renovation and expansion project as part of its centennial celebration. The institution, located in Otterburne, Manitoba, aims to enhance its educational offerings and accessibility, marking 100 years since its founding as the Winnipeg Bible Training School in 1925.

The centennial festivities, running from September 5 to September 7, 2023, will feature various events, including a major concert on September 6. Grammy Award winner Zach Williams and Juno Award winner Jordan St. Cyr will perform at the newly opened Southeast Event Centre in Steinbach, drawing a large crowd to commemorate this milestone. “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?” said Provost Nicholas Greco.

The $20 million initiative aims not only to renovate existing facilities but also to expand programs, particularly in arts, science, and aviation. Additionally, the college plans to broaden its non-denominational seminary to further promote the Christian faith. As part of this effort, Providence University College is seeking to achieve provincial recognition under the Advanced Education Administration Act. Currently, the college has approximately 1,500 students and collaborates with public universities, including transferring credits to the University of Manitoba.

The centennial celebration will include a public homecoming event on September 5, followed by an on-campus worship service on September 7. An awards ceremony and gala at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg will honor 26 individuals, including the late Muriel D. Taylor, one of the school’s first faculty members. Taylor, who served in a challenging environment as a female educator in a religious setting, will be recognized posthumously during the celebrations.

The college’s president, Kenton Anderson, highlighted the importance of achieving official university status. He stated that this designation would enhance access to grants and provide a platform for rural southern Manitoba in provincial post-secondary discussions. This step would also be beneficial for the planned agriculture program, which aims to retain students in the region after graduation.

Greco emphasized that official recognition would attract students to new programs, reinforcing the college’s commitment to serving its community. Providence also welcomes international students from countries such as India, Nigeria, and the Philippines, primarily enrolling in business courses at its Winnipeg campus. However, recent federal restrictions on the number of international undergraduate students allowed in each province have limited growth opportunities, as Manitoba allocated most spots to public post-secondary institutions.

In its long history, Providence University College has undergone several name changes, reflecting its evolving mission. Originally known as the Winnipeg Bible Institute and College of Theology in 1948, it became the Winnipeg Bible College in 1964, obtaining full degree-granting status. The Otterburne campus opened in 1970 in a former Catholic school, and the institution adopted its current name in 2011.

While the college maintains a Christian foundation, Greco noted that students of all faiths or none are welcome. “It’s not about necessarily believing in Jesus Christ, but rather doing the kinds of things that Jesus would have taught us to do,” he said. The focus is on instilling ethics and values that promote community service and citizenship among graduates.

As Providence University College celebrates a century of educational impact, its ambitious plans for expansion and recognition reflect a commitment to shaping the future of higher education in southern Manitoba.