A former school principal has been appointed director of the Ecumenical Institute of Distance Theological Studies (EIDTS).

Linda Cowan was head of Waitaki Girls' High School in Oamaru for 13 years.

Since 2009 she has been a learning support tutor for the NZ College of Early Childhood Education and Children and Family Worker at St Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Bryndwr, Christchurch.

She replaces the Very Rev Bruce Hansen who is retiring after 10 years as director.

Linda has a Bachelor of Arts degree, a postgraduate Diploma of Arts, a Diploma in Education and a Diploma in Teaching.  She has been a distance theological student herself, completing a Diploma in Theological Studies from the University of Otago in 1994.

She describes herself as a strongly committed member of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, and is a member of the New Zealand Lay Preachers’ Association. She has been involved in co-operating parishes. 

Major Kingsley Sampson, EIDTS chairperson said:‘"The selection panel was impressed with the quality of applicants for this position but chose Linda because she offered the widest range of attributes that EIDTS is looking for at this stage of its development. The panel believes she will be a worthy successor to Bruce."

Linda says: "It's very important that theological education be available to people in Aotearoa New Zealand where they are living and working, and for this reason value I highly the work the Ecumenical Institute of Distance Theological Studies does. I look forward to being a part of it."

The EIDTS board paid tribute to Bruce Hansen, noting that in his time EIDTS moved from a small cottage-industry type college to one that operates at a highly professional level.

Major Sampson said: "‘The institute has benefited greatly from Bruce’s clear understanding of EIDTS’ place and value within the theological education sector, his wide range of contacts in ecumenical and tertiary educational settings, his undoubted people skills and his personal integrity.’ 

There will be a public farewell for Bruce at the EIDTS annual graduation in Christchurch at the end of April. Linda will take up her new role as EIDTS director on 16 May.

Footnote: EIDTS offers distance study programmes at tertiary level to adult learners throughout New Zealand. The NZQA-registered qualification offered by EIDTS is the LTh (Licentiate of Theology) Diploma.