Andrews University recently appointed Denis Fortin the new dean of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. Fortin replaces John McVay, who left Andrews this summer to become president of Walla Walla College. Fortin, professor of theology and chair of the Department of Theology and Christian Philosophy, has been a member of the Seminary faculty since 1994.

Fortin previously served as the Seminary’s associate dean for four years, from 2000–2004. He was also the director of the master of divinity program from 1999–2001.

A native of Quebec, Canada, Fortin received his bachelor’s degree in pre-ministry from Canadian University College (formerly Candian Union College), College Heights, Alberta, in 1982. He went on to receive a master of divinity degree from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews in 1986 and a doctorate in theology from the Université Laval, Quebec, Canada, in 1995.

Before coming to Andrews, Fortin served as a pastor in Quebec. He has authored several publications on Adventist history and theology, including his 2004 Adventism in Quebec: The Dynamics of Rural Church Growth, 1830–1910. He is co-editor of the Ellen G. White Encyclopedia, a forthcoming publication by the Review and Herald Publishing Association.

“The Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary is one of the most dynamic and diverse seminaries in the United States and Canada,” Fortin stated. “With an enrollment of [more than] 800 students hailing from dozens of nations, a well-qualified faculty, and the diversity of programs offered, it is the leading seminary in our denomination. It is a privilege to serve this institution and to facilitate the theological and ministerial education of the next generation of pastors for the Adventist church.”

Fortin and his wife Kristine Knutson, coordinator of advising services in the university’s Student Success Center, live in Berrien Springs, Mich. They have two daughters and a son.

Beverly Stout, University Relations media relations coordinator