It is our pleasure to announce that today, following the unanimous recommendation of the Advisory Review Committee, the Board of Governors approved the renewal of Dr. Steven Dew for a second five-year term as Provost and Vice-President (Academic).
In his first term as provost, Steve played an instrumental role in envisioning and creating the university’s strategic plan, For the Public Good. He has since advanced many of the plan’s strategic objectives in collaboration with members of the senior team, including establishing the U of A’s first signature areas of teaching and research; developing and launching both the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Strategic Plan and the International Strategic Plan; and appointing the U of A’s first Vice-Provost (Indigenous Programming and Research), Dr. Florence Glanfield. His leadership was likewise essential to the development of the U of A’s budget model, and to our efforts to eliminate the structural deficit in the university’s operating budget.
During his tenure, Steve has overseen the university’s response to some of the most dramatic changes in government policy in the institution’s history, helping us to navigate a new labour relations environment, significant changes to tuition and fees, and the ongoing introduction of a performance-based provincial funding model. Against this backdrop he has focused on building a culture of trust and collaboration, working closely with deans and other portfolios to advance the institution’s goals. He also led successful searches for 12 new deans during this period.
In the coming years, Steve will continue to lead significant change to the U of A’s academic portfolio, particularly as we reimagine our academic structure in light of the province’s upcoming post-secondary education system review and ongoing changes to the funding model for post-secondary education. He will work with other senior leaders to overcome the challenges brought on by COVID-19, and to capitalize on the opportunities the pandemic presents for innovative distance delivery of programs and remote connections between scholars. Working closely with deans and government, he will advocate for the University of Alberta’s fundamental role in rebuilding and diversifying our province’s economy, addressing the enrolment surge already working through Alberta’s K-12 system, and navigating other challenges that may lie ahead.
Steve’s dedication and commitment to the U of A are beyond question. He brings the highest standard of integrity to everything he does.
As outgoing president, I (Dave) want to thank Steve for his essential partnership and wisdom — it has been an honour and a privilege to work with him over the past five years.
As incoming president, I (Bill) look forward to working in lockstep with Steve in the years ahead to advance the mission of the University of Alberta, and to bolster the wellbeing and prosperity of our city and province.
We have no doubt that Steve’s steady, calm, and collaborative leadership style will continue to be exactly the right fit to lead the academic portfolio through the next five years.
Lastly, we would like to thank the members of the Advisory Review Committee and all those who submitted feedback to that committee for their thoughtful engagement in this process.
David H. Turpin
President and Vice-chancellor
Bill Flanagan
President-elect