31 March 2025 | St Albans, UK [tedNEWS and Newbold College of Higher Education]
When Dr Stephen Currow was appointed Principal of Newbold College of Higher Education (NCHE), he emphasised the importance of preparing students for ministry. “Developing people in ministry is a sacred responsibility… and we want to ensure that Newbold graduates are work-ready.”
At the NCHE Board of Governors meeting on 26 March, Currow announced his return to Australia after a four-year secondment from Avondale University. Before his appointment as Principal in 2022, he served as Principal Lecturer in Pastoral Studies and previously held multiple academic and leadership roles at Newbold from 2002 to 2011.
Among the many tributes shared on social media following the announcement, a particularly heartfelt message comes from former student and Trans-European Division (TED) Youth Ministries Director, Dejan Stojković. Reflecting on Dr Stephen Currow’s commitment to equipping students for ministry, he wrote, “His dedication, vision, and hard work have helped restore and strengthen the institution, creating opportunities for so many of us to grow and succeed. We owe him so much for the way he believed in us, supported us, and guided us to the finish line. Thank you, Pastor Steve, for your incredible leadership and impact!”
Currow – The Counsellor and Encourager
Currow’s leadership at Newbold has left a profound impact on both the institution and those who worked alongside him. Vice Principal Dan Serb acknowledged Currow’s vast knowledge of the higher education sector, which helped establish a strong foundation for the college’s future.
Reflecting on his scholarly and administrative contributions, Rory Mendez, Director of the EGW Research Center and Centre for Ministry and Mission, praised Currow’s professionalism, insight, humour, and positive spirit. Ivan Milovanovic, Postgraduate Programme Director and Senior Lecturer in Old Testament, expressed gratitude for the support, compassion, and encouragement he received from Currow throughout his tenure.
László Gallusz, Head of the Centre for Ministry and Mission (CMM) and Principal Lecturer in New Testament, recalled two decades of collaboration, beginning with their work on establishing the MA programme at Belgrade Theological Seminary. Lubica Mueller, Head of Marketing and Communications, described Currow as an extraordinary leader who firmly positioned Newbold College at the heart of the church.
With the Newbold campus situated within the British Union Conference (BUC) territory, BUC President Eglan Brooks expressed deep appreciation for Currow’s tireless efforts in advancing both the College and the Church in the UK and Ireland. He thanked Currow for his dedicated service to NCHE and invaluable contributions to the BUC Executive Committee, highlighting his pivotal role in supporting the TED’s efforts to reshape the College’s direction and strengthen its mission.
It Takes A Team!
Reflecting on NCHE’s progress during its transition after the COVID-19 pandemic, Kayle de Waal, TED Education Director, notes the significant achievements during Currow’s tenure. “Through teamwork with his senior leadership colleagues, Currow has played a pivotal role in increasing student enrollment, strengthening the Centre for Ministry and Mission, expanding academic offerings, and fostering stronger partnerships with the TED Unions and Attached Fields.” Continuing, de Waal said, “The College now has new postgraduate, graduate diploma and clinical pastoral education certifications, new qualified and experienced staff have been added to the CMM and there is ongoing collaboration with the fields.” He concludes, “Newbold is on a very good footing for the future!”
A Lasting Impact
Speaking on behalf of the Newbold College Board of Governors, Daniel Duda, TED President, expressed deep gratitude for Stephen Currow’s four years of dedicated and sacrificial service during his secondment from Avondale University.
“His leadership during Newbold’s transition was invaluable. As a world-class scholar in pastoral studies, his expertise helped advance the Centre for Ministry and Mission, strengthen Newbold College, and support the wider mission of the Trans-European Division. For the past three years as Principal, his vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment have left a lasting impact—not only on the local campus but across all TED communities. We wish him and Narisa God’s blessings as they step into the next stage of their ministry.”
The impact of the Currows’ ministry is deeply felt by those who worked alongside them. Kayle de Waal reflected, “We will miss both Dr and Mrs Currow—with their godly leadership, pastoral hearts, and passion for Adventist education. Their quiet yet active support has nurtured students and their families as they prepare for a life of service.”
Currow began his tenure as Principal in 2022 with a clear priority: ensuring that Newbold graduates are work-ready. A key part of this vision was strengthening the Pastoral Placement programme. In this video, Pastor Trevor Thomas and Newbold ministerial student Andela Bogdanovic share how the programme shaped their journey—as supervisor and student.
Search for New Principal
With Dr Currow set to return to Avondale University at the end of the summer, the NCHE Board of Governors has begun the search for his successor. The Board expects to recommend a new Principal at its May meeting.
A full job description for the role of Principal can be found here.
