The University of Lethbridge Board of Governors has reappointed Dr. Michael (Mike) J. Mahon to a second five-year term as the University’s president and vice-chancellor. The Board of Governors, as well as the review committee struck to make the recommendation to the board, unanimously supported the reappointment.
“The University of Lethbridge’s reputation for excellence in terms of student experience, research impact and community engagement has continued to flourish under Dr. Mahon’s leadership,” says Board Chair Gord Jong. “The U of L is well-positioned for the future, and I am excited to see what our institution accomplishes over the next half-decade with Mike as our president.”
During Mahon’s tenure as president, several accomplishments have been realized. One of the most significant achievements of Mahon’s presidency was to see the University receive initial provincial funding for the Destination Project. This project will be transformative for the University and see the construction of a new science facility, a new Energy Centre and the renovation of the iconic University Hall at the U of L’s Lethbridge campus. The Government of Alberta has committed $212 million to the project.
Also accomplished during Mahon’s leadership is the development of Destination 2020 – the U of L’s new five-year strategic plan, the construction of a new residence building at the Lethbridge campus, the implementation of a new budgeting process that supports short and long-term planning and the creation of a strategy to bring together supports for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students.
One of the many initiatives Mahon has led that links the U of L with the southern Alberta community, is a strategic partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge, that now sees the organization housed in the U of L’s Penny Building, located in downtown Lethbridge.
The University also continues to be recognized for its excellence. Last year, the U of L achieved a top-three national ranking in both the Macleans magazine and Research Infosource rankings.
Mahon was installed as the President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Lethbridge in 2010. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, he is an accomplished teacher, community advocate and researcher who holds a PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a MSc from the University of Alberta and a bachelor of physical education from the University of Manitoba. Mahon's current research is in disability studies and sport for international development.