Dr. Mike Mahon, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Lethbridge, was elected Chair of Universities Canada's board of directors today during the association’s fall membership meeting in Ottawa.
“Mike Mahon is an outstanding academic leader with a particular passion for improving the student experience, advancing reconciliation and pursuing research excellence,” said Paul Davidson, Universities Canada president.
"I am honoured to have this new opportunity to work with my colleagues across Canada to advance the role of universities in building a better Canada,” said Dr. Mahon. "Now is Canada's moment, and I look forward to working with university leaders to build Canada’s reputation as a global leader in research and innovation, prepare our next generation and strengthen Canadian communities.”
Dr. Mahon succeeds outgoing board chair Dr. Elizabeth Cannon, president of the University of Calgary, who held the position since 2015.
“We have been very fortunate to have Dr. Cannon lead the university community. She launched our commitments to Canadians, advocated successfully for new research investments and helped position Canada's universities internationally in this period of global change," Davidson said.
Dr. Mahon was named the sixth president and vice-chancellor of the University of Lethbridge in 2010 and was reappointed for a second term beginning July 1, 2015. Dr. Mahon’s past roles with Universities Canada include board member and chair of the governance committee.
Universities Canada is the voice of Canada’s universities at home and abroad, advancing higher education, research and innovation for the benefit of all Canadians.