Dr. Rebecca Schiff has been named the new Deputy Provost at the University of Lethbridge. (Photo: University of Lethbridge)

By Justin Goulet

University of Lethbridge names new Deputy Provost

Jan 30, 2024 | 2:38 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The University of Lethbridge (U of L) has a new Deputy Provost.

Dr. Rebecca Schiff is a transdisciplinary scholar and administrator whose research covers the topics of health sciences, social sciences, humanities and environmental sciences.

Schiff joins the U of L after serving as Dean of the Faculty of Human and Health Sciences at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). While in that role, she led the Schools of Education, Nursing, Social Work and Health Sciences, as well as the Department of Psychology.

Before working at UNBC, Schiff held teaching and administrative positions at Lakehead University, including Professor of Indigenous, Rural and Remote Health, and was Chair of the Department of Health Sciences in the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences.

Dr. Michelle Helstein, Provost and Vice-President (Academic) at the U of L said, “Dr. Schiff is a highly respected researcher and administrator whose scholarly work over the course of her career aligns closely with the values of the University of Lethbridge.”

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Helstein added, “Her research interests have focused on the public good and specifically on rural and northern health and health care, while her administrative work champions themes of equity, inclusivity and collaboration. We see her as an excellent addition to our senior leadership team who will offer a valuable perspective to the University.”

Schiff is a graduate of McGill University. There, she earned a Bachelor of Music and a Diploma of Environment with a graduate thesis from the McGill School of Environment. She completed her doctorate at the Institute for Sustainability and Technology Policy in Australia at Murdoch University.

Schiff said, “My doctoral program was interdisciplinary, with intersections across numerous disciplines.”

She continued, “Upon returning from Australia, I was based in Western Canada, where I worked extensively with diverse urban, rural and Indigenous communities around issues related to poverty, homelessness, food security, women’s health and social service systems.”

Schiff worked as a faculty member at the University of Regina, with positions in the Department of Geography and Department of Justice studies. She has also worked at Memorial University in Newfoundland and Labrador, and has been at UNBC since 2022.

The Deputy Provost supports the Provost in establishing initiatives to further the goals of the university. The Deputy Provost also aids the team of vice-presidents, deans and other direct reports to support programming and activities.

Schiff’s five-year term at the U of L starts on May 1, 2024.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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