Moncton – Crandall community mourns the passing of university’s sixth president and first chancellor this past week.
There are a handful of individuals whose names are nearly synonymous with Crandall University. Rev. Dr. W. Ralph Richardson was one of those individuals. A UBBTS grad (class of 1964), Richardson began teaching at then Atlantic Baptist College in 1971 and proceeded to take on greater leadership roles at the college right up to 1986 when he became president.
The next 14 years under his leadership saw the move to the new campus on the Gorge Road – a move that included the addition of several new programs and a change of name to Atlantic Baptist University, and the continued growth of the student body.
After stepping down as President in 2000, Dr. Richardson returned to the classroom. He was appointed the first chancellor of the university the following year, serving until 2009.
“While we are sad for the loss that family and friends feel at this time, we rejoice that through Dr. Richardson’s strong faith and resurrection hope he is now with the Lord,” said Dr. Robert Knowles, currently Crandall’s acting president. “He will be missed, but heart for this institution, and above all his passion for serving others – especially students – will always be remembered.”
