President Emeritus Iain Torrance Awarded A Knighthood

President Emeritus Iain Torrance has been awarded a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his services to higher education and theology. Regarding his award, Torrance said, “It is an honor and a privilege to be recognized by Her Majesty the Queen for a lifetime of work that has been, and continues to be, a deep passion.”

Torrance served as president and professor of patristics at Princeton Theological Seminary from 2004 to 2012.

During his tenure, Torrance championed the building of a new library, and he initiated the process of digitizing the library’s vast collection in order to make its resources available to the global church. He successfully guided the Seminary through the recession of the late 2000s. Under his leadership, the Seminary launched its Office of Multicultural Relations, a department that continues to help create and sustain a more diverse and inclusive community on campus, and he oversaw the expansion of campus housing for student families.

The Princeton Theological Seminary community is thrilled to hear the news that Torrance has received this honor. Of his predecessor’s knighthood, President Barnes said, “This is a high honor bestowed upon a devoted scholar who has spent his life in the service of the church and its theological academies. Princeton Seminary joins those around the world in congratulating the Torrances.”