President delivers first State of the University Address

Posted: January 30, 2015 1:50 p.m.

University President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Vianne Timmons spoke to the Regina Chamber on Thursday. Photo: U of R Photography

President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Regina, Dr. Vianne Timmons, gave the first State of the University Address on Thursday, January 29. The talk was hosted by the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce as part of its 2015 Luncheon Series.

“The University of Regina enjoys unique relationships with Regina and area businesses,” said Dr. Timmons. “Many Chamber members are University of Regina graduates, are hiring our students through our Cooperative Education and other internship programs, and permanently employ members of our growing alumni base. They recognize the value of a University in our city and provide us with tremendous support, so this talk was an important opportunity to build on those relationships.”  

“The University of Regina is a vitally important institution for the business community of Regina given it provides business with highly skilled individuals that meet the needs of business today and into the future,” said Nadia Williamson, Chair of the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce. “In addition the University helps with applied research and commercialization in a highly competitive global marketplace which helps to place some of our businesses on the cutting edge.”

Dr. Timmons touched on a range of subjects including changing demographics, funding challenges, the University’s growth in recent years, and the College Avenue campus revitalization. She also highlighted a number of successes including record enrolment numbers, graduate employment, faculty research, and student award winners.  

“The University of Regina belongs to the entire community – it is our University,” said Dr. Timmons. “It’s important that people are aware of the success we have seen in recent years, but also of the challenges we face going forward as a post-secondary institution.

Approximately 300 people attended the event at the Queensbury Centre in Regina. Events like this demonstrate a commitment to community – one of the three key priorities outlined in the University’s new Strategic Plan.