I am pleased to announce that Melissa Padfield has been appointed to the role of Vice-Provost and University Registrar effective December 1, 2019.
Ms. Padfield holds degrees from the University of Alberta and the University of Victoria, and a Certificate in University and College Administration from the University of Manitoba. She began her career at the University of Alberta in the Dean of Students’ Office in 2006, and after a stint in the Faculty of Arts, began her tenure in the Office of the Registrar in 2010 as Assistant Registrar (National Recruitment). After a term as Assistant Registrar (Student Connect), she was appointed Deputy Registrar under then Vice-Provost and University Registrar Lisa Collins in 2014. Ms. Padfield was appointed Interim Vice-Provost and University Registrar on October 22, 2018.
In her year in the Interim role, Ms. Padfield has demonstrated significant leadership in advancing the institution’s strategic goals. In particular, she has been instrumental in understanding and implementing the outcomes of Bill 19, including the introduction of a new tuition model for incoming international students. She led the development of a new Enrolment Management Policy for the university, and established the Sub-committee on International Enrolment (in partnership with University of Alberta International). She also partnered with Information Systems Technology to develop and implement a new cloud-based undergraduate admissions system. She has built and fostered strong collaborative relationships with the faculties and other support units across the university. Internally, Ms. Padfield has emphasized professional development and equity, diversity, and inclusion as key values for the Office of the Registrar. She is an active, well-established, and respected figure in the post-secondary sector across the country.
I have deeply appreciated Ms. Padfield’s insights and advice during her year in the interim role, and look forward to continuing to work with her as she takes on the permanent role.
I want to thank the members of the selection committee for their critical work in this process, and all those from the university community who submitted input and feedback.
Please join me in congratulating Ms. Padfield on her appointment.
Steven Dew
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)