Notice Board

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the ULethbridge Mentorship Gala, where you’ll have the rare opportunity to connect with some of the university’s most influential leaders. This exclusive event brings together esteemed members of the ULethbridge Senate and Board of Governors, offering a unique setting for meaningful conversations, professional insights, and invaluable connections.

Enjoy a formal networking dinner while engaging with experienced leaders who are dedicated to supporting student success and career development. Whether you're looking for guidance, inspiration, or new professional connections, this event is designed to help you take the next step in your career journey.

Registered Senate and Board members:

Digvir Jayas

Dr. Digvir S. Jayas, an internationally recognized agricultural engineering researcher and academic leader, became the University of Lethbridge's seventh president and vice-chancellor on July 1, 2023. Previously, he served as vice-president (research and international) at the University of Manitoba for over 13 years. Dr. Jayas is a former Tier I Canada Research Chair in Stored-Grain Ecosystems, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2018 for his advancements in agricultural practices and his promotion of academic research.

His research focuses on the drying, handling, and storing of grains and oilseeds, as well as digital image processing in the agri-food industry. With a background that aligns with the University's strategic goals, Dr. Jayas is committed to liberal education, equity, diversity, and the growth of research. He has collaborated globally on efficient grain storage systems and authored over 1,000 technical articles.

Born in India and raised on a farm, Dr. Jayas' passion for serving the agricultural community stems from his early experiences. He looks forward to engaging with the southern Alberta community and continuing to strengthen the University's relationships with the region. Dr. Jayas succeeded Dr. Mike Mahon, who served as president since 2010.

Terry Whitehead

Currently the managing partner of a Vancouver-based executive search and management consulting firm, Chancellor Whitehead's notable 30-year career has spanned equally across the private and not-for-profit sectors. Raised in Lethbridge, he attended ULethbridge and was active on Students' Union council and The Meliorist, and was SU president in 1990/1991. As a student, he immersed himself in the campus experience, acting in fine arts dramatic productions and attending Pronghorns games.

Since graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English from ULethbridge in 1994, he has remained connected to the University. He has served on the ULethbridge Board of Governors and has been an erstwhile supporter of multiple initiatives over the years through his philanthropic support of the fine arts, liberal education, Pronghorn Athletics and student food security issues. He is also one of four alumni co-chairs championing the drive for student scholarships currently underway across campus. Currently, he also serves as Chair of the Vancouver International Film Festival Board Advisory Council. He is passionate about Lethbridge and southern Alberta, and is a vocal advocate for ULethbridge and supporting local small business and cultural organizations.

Craig Coburn

Dr. Craig A. Coburn is a Full Professor in the Department of Geography and Environment at the University of Lethbridge, with over 20 years of experience as a remote sensing scientist. His research focuses on the fundamental aspects of remote sensing science, particularly low-cost remote sensing solutions and instrument development. Recently, his work has concentrated on studying surface bidirectional spectral reflectance properties, leading to the development of world-leading instruments for sampling these properties. These instruments are primarily used in the calibration and validation of remote sensing satellite instruments and in understanding agricultural crops and other biological systems.

Dr. Coburn holds a BSc (honours) from the University of Saskatchewan (1994), an MSc in Geography from the University of Alberta (1996), and a PhD in Geography/Remote Sensing from Simon Fraser University (2002). He was appointed Assistant Professor at the University of Lethbridge in 2002, promoted to Associate Professor in 2009, and to Full Professor in 2019. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of roles within the University of Lethbridge, ranging from department-level to broader university-wide committees. Dr. Coburn is also the Past President of the Western Division of the Canadian Association of Geographers and currently serves as Associate Editor for the Journal of Applied Remote Sensing

Austin Mardon

Diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of thirty, Dr. Austin Mardon uses his own experience and road to recovery in advocating in the areas of stigma, service delivery, awareness and education. He has been a public educator, appointed adjunct professor at the University of Alberta, and tireless advocate for the mentally ill. He also headed an Antarctic meteorite recovery expedition 170 km from the South Pole at the age of 24, which was sponsored by NASA and the National Science Federation. Unfortunately, the harsh conditions he faced led to him developing a number of physical and mental health issues, including schizophrenia at the age of 30.

Although affected by the disease, he went on to earn a PhD in geography from Greenwich University in Australia, following up with a remarkable publication record in prestigious journals including Science and Nature. Since then, he's been elected as the International Fellow and Corresponding Fellow of the Explorers Club of New York and was inducted into the International Academy of Astronautics. In 2006, he was awarded the Order of Canada by the Governor General of Canada and in 2014, he was elected into the Royal Society of Canada, the pre-eminent academic society of Canada.

Lisa Neufeld

Lisa Neufeld is a dedicated professional serving as the Senior Executive Assistant to the President at the University of Lethbridge. As an alumna of the university herself, Lisa graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities, with majors in English, History, and Religious Studies. Her deep connection to the institution has fueled her commitment to its mission and values. Since completing her studies, Lisa has remained steadfastly devoted to the higher education sector in Alberta. With a wealth of experience spanning several years, she has seamlessly integrated herself into various roles within post-secondary institutions, consistently demonstrating her exceptional organizational skills and commitment to excellence.

Lisa's dedication to her alma mater extends beyond her professional responsibilities. She actively contributes to the University of Lethbridge Alumni Council, where she most recently stepped into the role of Vice-President, leveraging her expertise to foster a sense of community among alumni and strengthen their ties to the university. When Lisa is not at work, you can often find her at various hockey arenas watching her kids play hockey. She also likes to spend time in Vancouver with her extended family. Lisa Neufeld's unwavering dedication to her alma mater, coupled with her leadership in the field of executive assistance, embodies a commitment to excellence and service that continues to inspire both colleagues and peers alike.

Sherry Davis

Sherry was born and raised in Newfoundland and moved to Alberta in 1997, finishing a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Lethbridge as a visiting student. She later returned to complete a Bachelor of Management Degree in 2001, an experience that inspired her philanthropy and support of students at ULethbridge, leading to the creation of the Sherry Davis Academic Award in 2017. Sherry is a Senior Financial Advisor at ATB Wealth, where she has spent over 20 years working with business owners, agricultural producers, and retired families in Southern Alberta. She takes great pride in helping her clients build wealth and plan for their dreams. In 2022, she was recognized with an Excellence Award for Female Trailblazer of the Year by Wealth Professional Canada.

Sherry is also an active volunteer in the Lethbridge community, serving as an Assistant Governor for the Lethbridge Rotary Clubs of District 5360. A strong supporter of the University, she is a proud alumnus and currently participates on the Advisory Council for the Student Managed Investment Fund. Sherry is also a retired ULethbridge Senator and in 2021, she received the Individual & Family Philanthropist award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals in Southern Alberta. In her spare time, Sherry enjoys getting away to Canmore with her family and three dogs to enjoy the beautiful Rocky Mountains.

Deserae Yellow Horn 

Deserae Yellow Horn, Akikinakii was born and raised, on the Piikani Nation. A proud member of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Deserae grew up with a strong sense of pride in her indigenous heritage. Her parents and grandparents are survivors of residential schools, and day school. Her grandmother Delma Yellow Horn was metis and the great, grand niece of Gabriel Dumont. Deserae was raised traditionally by her parents, learning from a young age the importance of ceremony, and had the opportunity to be heavily influenced and traditionally educated by her grandparents. She has a vast knowledge of Blackfoot history knowledge and has worked at historical sites such as Writing-on-Stone and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump as an interpreter. She is also a well-known beader in her community and has made crowns for the Piikani Annual Celebrations. Community and reconciliation is very important to Deserae. She was one of the main organizers of an Every Child Matters rally in July 2022. 

She also continues to work with Mootokakio'ssin, which helps to visually return Blackfoot items back to Blackfoot people. Deserae is an Alumni of the University of Lethbridge ('17), as is her mother Joslin Smith ('01) and her eldest sister, former advisor to Minister of Indigenous Crown Relations, Andrea Yellow Horn ('15). Educational opportunities are important to Deserae, she worked formally as a recruitment officer for the University of Lethbridge. She now works as an Education Navigator for Indigenous Student Relations, providing opportunities to Blackfoot students to require help navigating their way through post-secondary. Deserae lives on the Piikani Nation, raising her son and passing her knowledge to him.

Teresa Petriw

Teresa is a graduate of the University of Manitoba, earning a Bachelor of Home Economics and Education Certificate. Her career took her down the path of Adult Education -- first as the Home Economist with the Gas Utility in Winnipeg, and then as an Instructor/Program Coordinator for Continuing Education at Lethbridge College. For the past serveral years Teresa has been and Administrative Assistant at ULethbridge in a variety of departments, helping out with many different initiatives. Over the years, Teresa has been involved with many different groups -- Manitoba, Alberta and Canadian Home Economics Associations, School Parent Councils and Lethbridge & Canadian Quilters Guilds. Her involvement with the Quilt Guild has provided the opportunity to work on the organizing committee for several Quilt Shows, including a national show, Quilt Canada 2015 held at ULethbridge. She also enjoys photography and has a photo journal of the UofL Great Horned Owls! Teresa is honoured to be on the Senate -- a chance to stay connected and help promote the University in the community.

Suzanne B. Sjovold

Dr. Suzanne B. Sjovold is a highly experienced intellectual property (IP) professional with a strong technical background in biotechnology and neuroscience. With nearly two decades of IP experience, she specializes in helping clients strategically develop, protect, and manage their intellectual property assets.

As a registered patent and trademark agent, Dr. Sjovold provides comprehensive guidance on patentability, trademark registration, freedom-to-operate, due diligence, and IP portfolio management. She works with a diverse range of clients, including early-stage startups, established companies, and post-secondary institutions, ensuring they maximize the value of their innovations.

Dr. Sjovold holds a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from the University of Lethbridge and earned both a PhD in Neuroscience and a Juris Doctor from the University of Alberta. This unique combination of scientific and legal expertise allows her to bridge the gap between research and intellectual property law effectively.

Monica Lockett

Monica Lockett is an Alberta-based journalist and communicator. Currently, she works as a Communications Specialist in the Department of Communications, Marketing and Government Relations and provides communications support centrally and to the Faculty of Fine Arts. She recently graduated with Great Distinction from the University of Lethbridge, earning a BA in Sociology. As a result of her achievements as a student, Monica was awarded the Faculty of Arts & Science Gold Medal (Arts). She also holds a diploma in Communication Arts - Broadcast Journalism from Lethbridge College.

Monica has written academically on rural journalism and professional identity-building practices, the duty of journalists who report on injustice, as well as on sound engineer experiences of microaggressions in recording studios. She has presented her work at several conferences, including at the annual Congress for the Humanities and Social Sciences. Her journalistic work has been featured in BeatRoute Magazine, The Meliorist, and online for several radio stations in Alberta.