Dr. Kriston Rennie is an historian of religion who specializes in the Middle Ages. Much of his work has centered on the Roman Church, the medieval papacy, ecclesiastical representation and diplomacy, the production and dissemination of law and legal texts, and the construction of religious identity and heritage.  

Dr. Rennie holds a BA in History and Religious Studies from the University of Lethbridge; an MLitt in Mediaeval History from the University of St Andrews; a PhD in History (Medieval) from King’s College London; and a Licence in Mediaeval Studies (LMS) from the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies in Toronto. He is an elected Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, a proud alumnus of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, and the recipient of research fellowships in Canada, Germany, Belgium, the USA, Australia, and England. 

Dean Rennie's Message

In the Faculty of Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences and Humanities, we strive to challenge and enhance our understanding of the world in which we live. Our disciplinary knowledge traverses boundaries, contributing collectively towards processing, understanding, interpreting, and expressing the human experience and condition – past, present, and future. 

Our disciplinary expertise and academic programming are uniquely placed to address the complex social, cultural, historical, political, and legal challenges of Reconciliation, which demand not only a shared understanding and appreciation of the past but a strong, equitable, and inclusive culture and community of learning. 

Our teaching encourages open, respectful, engaging, and meaningful dialogue. We aim to develop informed, responsible, and active leaders and citizens; promote different ways of knowing and knowledge systems; and produce creative, resilient, adaptable, and innovative thinkers well-versed in the critical and analytical skills of communication, interpretation, and problem-solving necessary for negotiating society’s present and future challenges.