Lakehead University issued the following letter to the community from President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Moira McPherson announcing her decision not to seek another term with the university:
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After many months of deep thought and consideration, today I informed our Board of Governors of my decision to decline the opportunity to stand for a further term as President and Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University following the completion of my current term at the end of June 2023.
Throughout my 35-year tenure at Lakehead, it has been an absolute privilege to serve you all in various academic and administrative roles, with my most recent 12 years in senior leadership positions. Following my time as President and Vice-Chancellor, I look forward to how I will continue to serve as a member of our amazing university community.
While there is still so much to be accomplished, Lakehead stands strong and proud as a vibrant Ontario and Canadian University — one that is, according to Times Higher Education’s Impact Rankings, included among the world’s top 100 universities as a result of our success in addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
As President, I am particularly proud of the ongoing progress to advance Indigenous strategic and academic priorities as we have forged new relationships with leaders, organizations, Institutes, and our Ogimaawin Indigenous Education Council (OIEC).
Continuing to authentically action those priorities and commitments, together, remains atop my most important undertakings.
As we continue to work together, I am eager to ensure:
- A successful transition through this next phase of the pandemic. It is imperative that we stay sharply focused on providing the best academic and student experience for our learners at both of our campuses, and ensure that we continue to excel in our development of robust, highly-skilled graduates who are positioned to achieve their academic and professional goals.
- Continued advancement of our thriving partnerships. This includes leadership and advocacy related to our innovative partnership with Georgian College, continuing to celebrate and build on multiple successful pathways with Confederation College, and championing the exciting opportunity with the University of Guelph to build a Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program that will help address veterinary capacity in rural and remote communities in the North.
- Continuing to build on Lakehead’s long history of supporting healthcare education in the North. This includes ongoing work with local health service providers and other education partners to develop sound solutions that build on the strengths of Lakehead’s programming and research in health-related fields.
I look forward to continuing to work with our Board of Governors, Senate, OIEC, and faculty and staff to further Lakehead’s strategic priorities during our next 17 months together.
Stay healthy and strong, Lakehead!
Dr. Moira McPherson
President and Vice-Chancellor
Lakehead University
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