Our President

George Durance was born in Canada in 1951. He was educated in Canada, the United States, and England, and received diplomas and degrees in biblical studies, history, and education. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of Durham, UK, and is the recipient of a number of awards and honorary titles. His professional career began as a high school Social Studies teacher in Calgary. Three years later he moved to Germany where he taught at Black Forest Academy, becoming principal of the school in 1987 and director in 1992.

Dr. Durance returned to Canada in 1997 to become the president of Ambrose University College. During his twelve-year tenure he not only helped reposition the school as a liberal arts university, but also relocated the school to another province and built a new campus. In 2009 he accepted the appointment of president of TeachBeyond. He has helped cast a new vision and introduced a strategic planning process. This has led to the merger of several organisations and the launching of significant educational initiatives in East Asia, India, Europe, Africa, and South America.

George is married and has three children, seven grandsons, and one granddaughter. His hobbies and personal interests include music, literature, sports, epic movies, landscaping, and long walks/hikes. He is actively involved in a local church and has been a board member of two schools and one mission society. He has stated that his intention as a leader is to ask God for impossible things – things that only God can do – so that the Kingdom is furthered and Christ alone is glorified.