Board of Governors reappoints President for five year term
Posted: December 14, 2016 11:45 a.m.
President Timmons says "I am honoured that the Board of Governors has provided me with the opportunity to build on the progress we have made over the past several years." Photo: U of R Photography
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The University of Regina Board of Governors has announced the reappointment of Dr. Vianne Timmons in her role as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Regina. Timmons’ third five-year term begins July 1, 2018.
Chair of the Board of Governors, Daniel Kwochka, commended Timmons for progress made during her first two terms, acknowledging her significant contributions to the University.
“On behalf of the Board of Governors, I would like to thank President Timmons for her dedication and commitment to the University throughout her first two terms. Through her leadership, our University has achieved significant milestones,” said Kwochka. “Student enrolment continues to increase, and we are now serving a record number of students – nearly 15,000. Retention is also on the rise. Further to that, our campus is becoming increasingly diverse as more international and Aboriginal students enroll and we continue to expand student services, program options, and physical space on campus.”
Kwochka attributed this success to strong long-term institutional planning. Since becoming President and Vice-Chancellor in 2008, Timmons has overseen the development and implementation of the University's two most recent strategic plans. The 2009-2014 plan, mâmawohkamâtowin: Our Work, Our People, Our Communities, revitalized the institution's academic mission of teaching, research, and community service by focusing on key areas such as teaching and research excellence, community outreach, and the enhancement of Aboriginal post-secondary education.
The 2015-2020 strategic plan, peyak aski kikawinaw: Together We Are Stronger, builds on that momentum by emphasizing student success, high-impact research, commitment to communities, Indigenization, and campus sustainability.
Amongst her many accomplishments over the past few years, Timmons has helped the University: successfully secure a bid to host the Congress of the Social Sciences and Humanities, Canada’s largest academic conference; launch the College Avenue Campus Renewal Project; make great strides in providing accessible education through the continuation of programs such as Campus for All; support increased services for students; and create an Office of Indigenization on campus.
Additionally, Timmons maintains an active research program, with particular emphasis on family literacy and inclusive education. She has been recognized for her work by a number of external organizations during her time at the University of Regina. This recognition has included:
• Being named one of Canada’s “Top 100 Most Powerful Women” in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011;
• Receiving the Canada Post Literacy Award in 2009 and the Canadian Association for Community Living’s National Inclusive Education Award in 2010;
• Receiving the Canadian Association for Education Psychology’s 2012 Carol Crealock Award in recognition of her life’s work in the field;
• Being recognized by the Red Cross with the 2013 Humanitarian Award;
• Receiving the Senior Women Academic Administrators of Canada Recognition Award in 2014 for her leadership in promoting and supporting diversity within Canadian academic institutions;
• Receiving the inaugural Gender and Leadership in Higher Education Award in 2015 from The Inter-American Space for Women Leaders in Higher Education Institutions of the Americas (EMULIES); and
• Being honoured with the 2016 Leadership Award from District VIII of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.
“President Timmons’ long list of accomplishments speaks to the immense value she brings not only to our University, but to our entire community,” said Kwochka. “I wish her well as she continues to guide the institution now and into the future.”
Timmons said she welcomes the opportunity to serve a third term.
“I love this University, this city, and this province, and I am honoured that the Board of Governors has provided me with the opportunity to build on the progress we have made together as an institution over the past several years,” said Timmons. “We have a wonderfully engaged campus community and a strong network of supporters across Saskatchewan and around the world. That engagement and support have served our University well in the past, and will be crucial for our collective success in the years to come.”