Dr. Shirley McClellan (2011-2015)

As part of a distinguished career in Alberta politics Shirley McClellan played a key role in bringing post-secondary education to remote communities, and has been an important ambassador for the University of Lethbridge.

Born in Hanna, Alberta, Shirley McClellan was first elected to the Alberta Legislature in 1987. She was re-elected in 1989 and was appointed Associate Minister of Agriculture, going on to serve in several Ministerial roles. In her sixth and final term, she was Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance, Chair of the Treasury Board, and Vice-Chair of the Agenda and Priorities Committee. She resigned her seat in the legislature in 2007.

Shirley McClellan has been a strong advocate for expanding access to education in Alberta. Between 1979 and 1982, Alberta Advanced Education and Manpower established several educational consortia, and McClellan was an active member of the Big Country Consortia.

In that role, she helped bring post-secondary education to rural and remote areas. She was also the coordinator of the Big Country Further Education Council for 12 years, a member of the Ministers Advisory Council on Further Education for five years, and spent two years on the Ministers Advisory Committee (on College Affairs).

During her time with the Government of Alberta, Shirley Mcclellan supported efforts to increase funding for capital and operations for the University of Lethbridge.

In 2010, McClellan received an honorary degree from the UofL. She succeeds Chancellor Emeritus Richard Davidson, Q.C. The University of Lethbridge is honoured to welcome Shirly McClellan as its 12th Chancellor.