I want to share an important update regarding the presidential leadership and future of Eston College.
In the spring of 2023, as Eston College prepared to relocate to Regina, I entered into a three-year contract as President. That term will conclude this spring. Knowing this transition point was coming, I have spent more than a year in prayer, discernment, and consultation with trusted advisors and the Board of Directors. After careful consideration, and with a sense of peace, I have decided not to pursue another term as President.
Accordingly, the Board of Directors will begin a formal search for Eston College’s next President, with a public posting expected later this month. The Board is approaching this process thoughtfully and deliberately, with a clear commitment to identifying a leader who will steward the college faithfully into its next season.
I want to assure you that we are entering this transition from the strongest position we have held in the past five years. By God’s grace, and through the faithful support of our donors, alumni, churches, and partners, Eston College has navigated significant challenges and opportunities in recent years. Together, we have led the college through Covid, expanded experiential and online learning, successfully relocating to Regina, increasing enrollment and donor engagement, and establishing sustainable rhythms on our current campus. These developments have positioned the college well for continued stability and growth.
During the transition, I will continue to serve the college in a modified role while a successor is identified. To be clear, this message is to inform you that my role is changing, not that I have resigned as staff. To ensure operational effectiveness and quality while we find the next President, the Vice-Chairperson of our Board, Kevin Hassler, will be taking an executive role and managing the transition team. While my day-to-day responsibilities related to administration, management, and fundraising will conclude this spring, I will remain actively involved in leadership support, continuity, and ambassadorial work. The Board is also taking steps to ensure that oversight, fundraising, and governance remain strong throughout this season.
Most importantly, Eston College’s mission and ethos remain unchanged. The college will continue to be grounded in the authority of Scripture, committed to being a Spirit-filled community, and focused on integrating mission and ministry with rigorous theological education. Our approach to discipleship, biblical commitments, and spiritual emphasis will not change as a result of this leadership transition. Along with the Board and senior staff, we are working intentionally to ensure constancy in vision, culture, and direction.
Melissa and I remain deeply grateful for the privilege of serving Eston College and walking alongside this community. Our relationship with the college has always been rooted in calling rather than position, and our commitment to its mission endures. I am confident that Eston College’s work is more important today than it has been at any point in its 82-year history, and I am equally confident that God is preparing the right leadership for what lies ahead. However, as with any transition, we will face a season of vulnerability. We are asking you to fully commit to supporting Eston College through this season prayerfully, socially, and financially. Together we are what we can’t be alone. 2025-2026 has been a strong year; let’s be even stronger in 2026-2027.
Thank you for walking with us. The future of Eston College is bright, and we look forward to the next chapter with faith and confidence.
With gratitude and hope in Christ,
Sean Stevenson-Douglas
President
Eston College
Questions
How long have you known that you would not renew your contract?
I have been seriously praying and seeking counsel on this matter since summer 2025. Knowing my term was ending, contract discernment and contacting potential successors began in October 2025. In November and early January we received significant words directing us to new things.
Who can apply for your position?
The job posting will have the full details, but the right candidate will be a skilled, anointed leader who values and embodies discipleship. He or she must have a missional outlook, walk in the fruit and gifts of the Spirit, have strong communication skills, and a relevant master’s or doctoral degree. They must be able to continue to lead the college and constituency in Word, Spirit, and Mission.
What happens if there is no suitable candidate found by May?
It is unlikely that we will find a new President by then. There have been conversations with potential interim candidates who would take over the fundraising, management, oversight, and administration of the President’s Office. In my new role I will continue to give direction to the team. There is no timeline set right now for when I will stop working; this announcement is to inform everyone that the search and transition is beginning.
Will this affect this semester? What about next year?
No, this semester and graduation will play out as planned. I am less certain my involvement about next year, but most likely I will still be working for the college. So yes, I will be around next year. Even if not employed by the college, we plan to explore continuing with mentorship groups, chapel, community groups… and even teaching if my next ministry assignment makes room for it.
February 10, 2026
The Presidential Search Begins
Dear Eston College Community:
On behalf of the Eston College Board of Directors, we wish to express our sincere gratitude to Sean Stevenson-Douglas for his faithful leadership during one of the most significant seasons of change in the college’s history. We are thankful for Sean’s willingness to continue serving the college as requested during this transition and to remain involved in supporting future students in new and meaningful ways. We also extend our warmest prayers and best wishes to Sean, Melissa, and their family as they follow the Lord into their next Kingdom assignment.
We are pleased to announce that Rev. Kevin Hassler, Vice-Chair of the Eston College Board, has agreed to provide executive-level leadership to the college beginning May 1, 2026, and throughout the search for a new President.
In this role, Kevin will offer general oversight of the college, working closely with the current staff and faculty in the day-to-day operations of the institution. Kevin will continue serving as co-pastor of People’s Church in Kipling and will be present on campus as needed, as well as represent Eston College where required.
We invite you to join us in prayer as the Board begins the search for Eston College’s next President, and we ask especially for prayerful support for Kevin as he steps into this interim leadership role.
