Dr. Shirley DeBow (2003-2007)

Generous, energetic, and deeply committed to the community, Shirley DeBow will be installed as the 10th Chancellor of the University of Lethbridge on May 23, 2003.

Borth in Spring Hill, Nova Scotia, Chancellor DeBow completed a Bachelor of Arts at Dalhousie University, before moving to Alberta in 1966, where she became a Social Worker for the Goernment of Alberta. She went on to make important contributions to the field of social work in the province, becoming a Senior Instructor in the first Social Services Worker program in Alberta at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. In 1971, Chancellor DeBow took the Social Services Worker program to Grant MacEwan Community College, where she became the first head of this program. She continued in her role as an instructor at the College until her move to Lethbridge in 1984. While at Grant MacEwan, she stablished the Native Outreach program, which she delivered to remore and northern locations in Alberta.

In Lethbridge, Chancellor DeBow became an instructor at Lethbridge Community College, and assumed the role of Supervisor of Social Work Programs. During her time at LCC, she delivered a Child Care Certification Ptogram that trained and certified social workers in the Kainai First Nation, Siksika First Nation, the Town of Claresholm and other communities in southern Alberta.

Chancellor DeBow's Past service to the University of Lethbridge includes eight years as a member of the Senate. As Senator, she was a member of the Honorary Degree and the Chancellor's Circle Committees. She helped promote fine arts in the community by chairing the Fine Arts Advisory Committee and acting as a host and usher at fine arts performances. Her commitment to the University is also shown through her three children, all of whom have attended and graduated from the University of Lethbridge.

In addition to her work for the University, Chancellor DeBow has an impressive record of service in the community. She has been active in the Lethbridge Twinning Society, the Board of Directors of the 2001 Alberta Senior Games, Habitat for Humanity, the Galt Museum and Archives, the City of Lethbridge Municiple Planning Commission and Canadian

Parents for French. Chancellor DeBow is currently the Program Coordinator for the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs, and was recently appointed to the Culture Advisory Committee of Alberta Sport, Recreation and Wildlife.

Succeeding Chancellor James Horsman, Chancellor DeBow represents the University at ceremonial occasions and, in addition to her other functions under the Universities Act, presides over all Convocation Ceremonies, conferring degrees. The Chancellor represents the public interest in the university, and is the Chair of the Senate and an ex officio member of the Board of Governors. Above all, Chancellor DeBow is a goodwill ambassador, acting as a bridge between the University and the community in Lethbridge, the province of Alberta and beyond.

The University is delighted to welcome Shirley DeBow as Chancellor and is confident that she will continue to be a great asset to the University, the community and the province.