Warren C. Trenchard, Ph.D., was named provost for La Sierra University beginning July 1. The provost is the second officer of the university, serving as both the chief operating officer and the chief academic officer.

Most recently, Trenchard was a professor of New Testament and Early Christian Literature and director of graduate programs for the La Sierra School of Religion. He began his career at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich., in 1968 as a part-time religion instructor. He spent several years teaching at Canadian University College, where he also served as vice president for academic administration from 1989-1995. Trenchard came to La Sierra in 1995.

“Dr. Trenchard is a first-rate scholar and teacher, an experienced academic administrator,” says Lawrence T. Geraty, president. “His vision for the university matches well what has developed over the last decade. I believe him to be a ‘perfect’ fit for our needs, and I look forward to working with him.”

“I feel excited about the possibilities, helping the university more completely achieve its central academic mission and goals as a small Adventist university in southern California,” says Trenchard. “Among my goals is to enhance the commitment to and realization of this institution as a university.”

The author of four books, Trenchard’s most recent publication is A Concise Dictionary of New Testament Greek, printed with Cambridge University Press in 2003. He also published the Complete Vocabulary Guide to the Greek New Testament with Zondervan Publishing House in 1998.

“A devoted student of the Scriptures, he brings biblical principles to bear on all he does,” says John R. Jones, dean of the School of Religion. “Given his successful experience as an administrator, he will build on the foundation established so well by his predecessors. We look forward to translating shared vision into shared action under his leadership.”