Craig joined Algoma University in 2019 and brings over 20 years of pertinent professional experience to this role. He joined Algoma University from Laurentian University where he was in several key executive roles focussed on administration, operations, community engagement, research partnerships, innovation and economic development. Before joining Laurentian, Craig spent over 12 years with the Ontario government. During his career as a public servant, he held a series of progressively senior leadership positions in various ministries, including Finance, Economic Development, Research, and Innovation. Craig has a Master’s degree in Local Economic Development and a Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, both from the University of Waterloo. He has also completed Executive programs at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and Ivey School of Business.

In the role of Vice President Growth, Innovation and External Relations, Craig is a member of the University’s Senior Executive Team. Craig is responsible for the University’s overall growth, innovation and external profile by providing leadership and direction in strategic enrollment management, recruitment, advancement, alumni affairs, innovation, strategic partnerships, government relations, public affairs, university communications and marketing strategies. The position also includes oversight of the Brampton campus operations and development.

Dr. Donna M. Rogers joined Algoma University as Academic Dean in 2018, bringing over three decades of teaching, research and academic leadership experience, at the Pennsylvania State University, Middlebury College, Dalhousie University and Brescia University College. Donna holds an Honours B.A. (Latin and Spanish) from Waterloo, an M.A. (Spanish) from Western, and a Ph.D. (Hispanic Languages and Literatures) from Toronto.

In the role of VPAR, Donna is a member of the University’s senior executive team. She leads the academic and research functions of the University, supporting excellence in teaching and learning and excellence in faculty and student research. She continues to work closely with the Academic Dean and oversees the directors responsible for the Registrar’s Office, the Library, and Experiential Learning and International Affairs.

mary.wabano-mckay@algomau.ca

Mary Wabano-McKay brings over 20 years of experience in academic leadership to her role as Vice President, Nyaagaaniid – Anishinaabe Initiatives, Equity and Student Success; leading the development of institutional policies and processes to advance Indigenous education within the post-secondary sector. Joining Algoma University in January 2021 she will continue her steadfast work towards reshaping educational landscapes to fit the dynamic and ever changing needs of today’s post-secondary learners. With a strong focus in Indigenous  education, her experience spans mental health, justice, Indigenous studies, policy and administration as an advocate, analyst and director. Mary has developed and provided oversight of culturally appropriate student services, program quality assurance, curriculum development, program design and community partnerships and research involving Indigenous peoples. Working with Indigenous advisory councils, she continues to lead in Indigenous Education, Community Outreach, Student Success and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. 

Mary is devoted to the Decolonization and Reconciliation of Algoma University staff, faculty, students and the greater Indigenous community – working diligently to develop strong relationships between the university and various stakeholders in the community to continue the journey of healing.  Her lived experience as O’Mushkego Anishinaabe and first generation Residential School survivor guides her both personally and professionally. Her work is also guided by the Seven Grandfathers teachings ensuring that she approaches all aspects of her portfolio with Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth. Her approach to her work is  grounded in her understanding of our inherent connections to the earth and to one another.  

Mary holds a Bachelor of Social Work (Laurentian University) and Master of Social Work Degree (Carleton University) as well as designation as a Master Trainer for the Mental Health Commission of Canada in the MHFA First Nations program and Trainer for both MHFA Youth and MHFA First Nation programs. She also serves on the board of Actua, a national STEM charity. 

Asima Vezina joined Algoma University as President and Vice-Chancellor in the fall of 2017, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience in education to the role. Reporting to the University’s Board of Governors, Asima plays a significant role in leading the implementation of the institution’s strategic plan while advancing Algoma’s Special Mission to cultivate cross-cultural learning in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.

During her time as President, Algoma University has undergone a period of significant transformational change, experiencing record enrolment growth, new academic and research program development and multi-million dollar investments to support new capital infrastructure and strategic institutional priorities, including extensive development of campus facilities and programming on all three campuses (Sault Ste. Marie, Brampton and Timmins). Her efforts, and their positive impacts, have been recognized locally, regionally and provincially with a number of prestigious awards and accolades for leadership, community impact and diversity. Most recently, Asima received the internationally renowned Athena Leadership Award for professional excellence, dedication to improving quality of life for others in the community and assisting others, particularly women, in realizing their leadership potential.

Working from Algoma’s campus in Sault Ste. Marie, located on the site of the former Shingwauk Indian Residential School, has impressed upon her the importance of working in partnership with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders to advance the University’s national leadership role and its commitment to truth, healing and reconciliation as reinforced in the University response to the Calls to Action – Honouring our Commitment. She is excited to soon announce the architectural team that will work with the University community to build Mukquaa Waakaa’igan, a national cultural centre of excellence for the country; a place known for enhancing cross-cultural understanding, teaching, learning and research; a place dedicated to healing and reconciliation.

In 2019, Asima served as co-host of the Universities Canada 5th Annual National Building Reconciliation Forum on the Shingwauk site in Sault Ste. Marie alongside Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, Nipissing University, Cape Breton University and the University of Northern British Columbia. The Forum provided an important opportunity for university leaders to come together in their efforts to advance reconciliation within the university sector across the nation.

Asima dedicates herself to enhancing student experience and faculty research opportunities. She is a dedicated advocate for student success and is known for championing initiatives to address challenges brought on by mental health and addictions as well as Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), both at the University and within the broader communities Algoma University serves.

Asima is currently leading a partnership group on a feasibility study that will result in the development of a Mental Health and Addictions Research and Training Institute in the north. She has championed a bold EDI Action Plan that will further support the increasingly diverse student and employee populations Algoma serves. She is a champion for regional economic development, especially as it relates to the role the university sector plays as drivers of economic development and innovation and leaders of social and cultural change.

Asima grew up in the Algoma region of Northern Ontario and continues to live there today with her husband and two children. She completed her undergraduate studies at Lakehead University, her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership at Nipissing University and is currently completing a Ph.D. in Leadership through the Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education at OISE, University of Toronto. Asima is an active volunteer sitting on various boards and committees locally, provincially and nationally.

Staggered Terms of Appointment:

Start Term: October 6, 2016

Current status: External Representative

Term Length: 3 years

Appointed/Reappointed: October 6, 2016 – 1st Term

November 1, 2017 – OIC appt 3 yrs

November 1, 2020 – 2nd Term

Renewal: November 1, 2020

End date: June 30, 2022

Staggered Terms of Appointment:

Start Term: July 1, 2017

Current status: 2nd Term

Term Length: 3 years

Appointed/Reappointed: July 1, 2019

Renewal: N/A

End date: June 30, 2022

Staggered Terms of Appointment:

Start Term: June 24, 2021

Current status: Filling Vacancy

Term Length: 3 years

Appointed/Reappointed: N/A

Renewal: N/A

End date: June 30, 2023

Staggered Terms of Appointment:

Start Term: September 1, 2020

Current status: 1st Term

Term Length: 4 years

Appointed/Reappointed: N/A

Renewal: N/A

End date: August 31, 2024

Asima Vezina joined Algoma University as President and Vice-Chancellor in the fall of 2017, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience in education to the role. Reporting to the University’s Board of Governors, Asima plays a significant role in leading the implementation of the institution’s strategic plan while advancing Algoma’s Special Mission to cultivate cross-cultural learning in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.

During her time as President, Algoma University has undergone a period of significant transformational change, experiencing record enrolment growth, new academic and research program development and multi-million dollar investments to support new capital infrastructure and strategic institutional priorities, including extensive development of campus facilities and programming on all three campuses (Sault Ste. Marie, Brampton and Timmins). Her efforts, and their positive impacts, have been recognized locally, regionally and provincially with a number of prestigious awards and accolades for leadership, community impact and diversity. Most recently, Asima received the internationally renowned Athena Leadership Award for professional excellence, dedication to improving quality of life for others in the community and assisting others, particularly women, in realizing their leadership potential.

Working from Algoma’s campus in Sault Ste. Marie, located on the site of the former Shingwauk Indian Residential School, has impressed upon her the importance of working in partnership with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders to advance the University’s national leadership role and its commitment to truth, healing and reconciliation as reinforced in the University response to the Calls to Action – Honouring our Commitment. She is excited to soon announce the architectural team that will work with the University community to build Mukquaa Waakaa’igan, a national cultural centre of excellence for the country; a place known for enhancing cross-cultural understanding, teaching, learning and research; a place dedicated to healing and reconciliation.

In 2019, Asima served as co-host of the Universities Canada 5th Annual National Building Reconciliation Forum on the Shingwauk site in Sault Ste. Marie alongside Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, Nipissing University, Cape Breton University and the University of Northern British Columbia. The Forum provided an important opportunity for university leaders to come together in their efforts to advance reconciliation within the university sector across the nation.

Asima dedicates herself to enhancing student experience and faculty research opportunities. She is a dedicated advocate for student success and is known for championing initiatives to address challenges brought on by mental health and addictions as well as Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), both at the University and within the broader communities Algoma University serves.

Asima is currently leading a partnership group on a feasibility study that will result in the development of a Mental Health and Addictions Research and Training Institute in the north. She has championed a bold EDI Action Plan that will further support the increasingly diverse student and employee populations Algoma serves. She is a champion for regional economic development, especially as it relates to the role the university sector plays as drivers of economic development and innovation and leaders of social and cultural change.

Asima grew up in the Algoma region of Northern Ontario and continues to live there today with her husband and two children. She completed her undergraduate studies at Lakehead University, her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership at Nipissing University and is currently completing a Ph.D. in Leadership through the Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education at OISE, University of Toronto. Asima is an active volunteer sitting on various boards and committees locally, provincially and nationally.

Staggered Terms of Appointment:

Start Term: October 5, 2016

Current status: 2nd Term

Term Length: 3 years

Appointed/Reappointed: October 5, 2019

Renewal: N/A

End date: June 30, 2022

Staggered Terms of Appointment:

Start Term: July 1, 2019

Current status: 1st Term

Term Length: 3 years

Appointed/Reappointed: N/A

Renewal: June 30, 2022

End date: June 30, 2025

Staggered Terms of Appointment:

Current status: 1st Term

Term Length: 3 years

Appointed/Reappointed: N/A

Renewal: June 30, 2022

End date: June 30, 2025

Staggered Terms of Appointment:

Start Term: July 1, 2019

Current status: 1st Term

Term Length: 3 years

Appointed/Reappointed: N/A

Renewal: June 30, 2022

End date: June 30, 2025

Staggered Terms of Appointment:

Start Term: July 1, 2021

Current status: 1st Term

Term Length: 1 year

Appointed/Reappointed: July 1, 2021

Renewal: None

End date: June 30, 2022

Staggered Terms of Appointment:

Start Term: Jan 23, 2020

Current status: 1st Term

Term Length: 1.5 years (replacement)

Appointed/Reappointed: N/A

Renewal: July 1, 2021

End date: June 30, 2024

Staggered Terms of Appointment:

Start Term: July 1, 2020

Current status: 1st Term

Term Length: 3 year

Appointed/Reappointed: N/A

Renewal: July 1, 2023

End date: June 30, 2026

Staggered Terms of Appointment:

Start Term: September 17, 2020

Current status: 1st Term

Term Length: 3 years

Appointed/Reappointed: N/A

Renewal: N/A

End date: September 16, 2023

Staggered Terms of Appointment:

Start Term: December 3, 2020

Current status: 1st Term

Term Length: 3 years

Appointed/Reappointed: N/A

Renewal: N/A

End date: December 2, 2023