File photo taken at the University of Lethbridge campus. The U of L is searching for its next chancellor. (Photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

Search begins for new University of Lethbridge chancellor

Oct 24, 2022 | 11:19 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The University of Lethbridge (U of L) is looking for a new chancellor and is asking for input from the public.

Current chancellor Taatsiikiipoyii (Talks in the Middle) Charles Weaselhead’s term is coming to an end after he was appointed as the post-secondary institution’s first Indigenous chancellor in 2019.

His successor will be selected in the coming months after a public search and nomination process. Following this process, the U of L Senate will short-list candidates and eventually choose the school’s 15^th chancellor.

The U of L noted that the chancellor’s role is a volunteer position but is integral to the operations at the post-secondary and its mission, as the chancellor represents the public interest in the institution. As Chair of the University Senate, the chancellor is an ex officio member of the Board of Governors. Additionally, the chancellor presides over all degree-confirming ceremonies and confers all degrees, as well as represents the school at ceremonial occasions.

Dr. Mike Mahon, president and vice-chancellor at the U of L said, “We have been very fortunate over the history of ULethbridge to have an outstanding group of chancellors.”

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He remarked that Weaselhead “was key in championing several Indigenous initiatives and strengthening the University’s commitment to and connection with the Blackfoot Nation.”

Mahon added, “He was and will continue to be an outstanding ambassador for the institution.”

Nominees for the position must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, possess a strong interest in university-community affairs and education, and have adequate time to apply to the duties involved. The U of L noted that as this is a volunteer position, there is no remuneration.

Weaselhead said, “It’s been said that education is the new buffalo that sustains and empowers our young Indigenous learners. I am a firm believer that knowledge provides the tool to make sound decisions to further careers and provide support to underserved communities.”

He continued, “The past four years have been very rewarding, and I will leave this role with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It has been the highest honour to serve as the first Indigenous chancellor in the University’s history.”

The official nomination forms will be accepted in the Senate Office until November 30, 2022. The successful candidate will take office on March 16, 2023.

More details are available at the University of Lethbridge website. Nomination forms are available by contacting the Chancellor Search Committee, care of the Senate Office at 403-329-2482 or by email at governance@uleth.ca.

READ MORE: Charles Weaselhead elected 14^th chancellor of the University of Lethbridge