Last fall, amidst a landscape that was dynamically shifting, I launched a multi-phased process to set a new path forward for MacEwan University, building on our strengths and strong history of delivering exceptional undergraduate learning experiences.

I want to extend my gratitude to you for joining me on this journey. I am delighted to share that last night MacEwan’s Board of Governors approved a new strategic framework for the university, one that will guide us over the next decade.

Thank you for sharing your inspirations and ideas through our dialogue sessions, and to our Deans’ Council, General Faculties Council and Board of Governors for early and continued input into components of our new strategic framework. I was absolutely amazed by the energy and enthusiasm and with the consistency of the themes that emerged through the many conversations.

We heard from you that being located in the centre of the city, in the municipal ward of O-day’min, is important. You spoke about how much our place matters, and you said:

  • we are a premier undergraduate university that strives for excellence in teaching;
  • we care deeply about our students and provide them with maximum flexibility to be successful;
  • we understand the value of our students having a robust grounding in their chosen disciplines as well as durable life skills that prepare them to take on the world;
  • we are willing to do our share to meet the growing demand for post-secondary education and to contribute to the economic and social revival of the province;
  • we use our expertise and scholarly activity to improve our community.

Watch for your opportunity to engage with the strategic plan when we officially launch Teaching Greatness- Strategic Vision 2030 – coming soon!

As we prepare to support the implementation of our new strategic framework, it is the right time to consider our organizational structure to ensure our resources are used in the best way possible. Consistent with structures of most Canadian universities, my team of Vice-Presidents will consist of:

  • Provost & Vice-President Academic, Dr. Craig Monk
  • Vice-President, University Relations, Myrna Khan
  • Vice-President, Finance & Administration & CFO

The following functions will be realigned:

  • The General Counsel will act as the strategic legal advisor to the university, directly reporting to me. The Information and Privacy function will be realigned under the General Counsel.
  • The Office of Human Rights, Diversity and Equity and the Office of Sexual Violence, Prevention, Education & Response will move to Academic Affairs under Tim Tang, Associate Vice-President, Students.
  • Audit and Risk and Insurance and sustainability functions will move to the Vice-President, Finance and Administration & CFO, with Safety and Security Services moving under Kris Bruckmann, Associate Vice President, Campus Services.

The search for both a Vice-President, Finance and Administration & CFO and a General Counsel are underway with appointments expected later this year.

As we mark our 50th year, the experiences MacEwan University provides to our students matter more now than ever.  I thank you for your commitment to our amazing university.

Dr. Annette Trimbee

President and Vice-Chancellor

Originally distributed by GlobalMail on October 8, 2021