Asima Vezina joined the Algoma University leadership team as President and Vice-Chancellor for an initial five-year term on October 23, 2017, bringing more than 20 years of transformational leadership experience to the role. 

Reporting to the Board of Governors, Asima oversees the development and implementation of the institution’s Strategic Plan while advancing the University’s Special Mission to cultivate cross-cultural learning in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment. Asima’s leadership was further recognized in June of 2022 when the Board unanimously approved her reappointment for a second five-year term.

During President Vezina’s tenure, the University has experienced record enrolment growth, successfully introduced new academic programming, and an expanded research presence. The University has significantly expanded its presence in both Northern and Southern Ontario through the development of a new tri-campus operational model.  Algoma’s campus in the heart of downtown Brampton has grown exponentially under President Vezina’s leadership. 

Algoma University has been recognized as a leader within the post-secondary sector’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, as reinforced within Honouring our Commitment. In 2019, Asima co-chaired the Universities Canada  5th Annual National Building Reconciliation Forum – Working Together to Advance Healing & Reconciliation on the Shingwauk site in Sault Ste. Marie alongside Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, Nipissing University, Cape Breton University and the University of Northern British Columbia.  

As a dedicated advocate for student success, student voices, and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), Asima has worked tirelessly to integrate cross-cultural teaching within all aspects of Algoma’s operations. The University’s EDI efforts were publicly recognized in 2019 when it received the Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business Achievement Award – Diversity.

Additionally, as a champion for innovation and regional development, Asima has driven forward a range of strategic initiatives to expand the role the University plays as a driver of economic development and leader in social and cultural change within the communities of Brampton, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins. 

President’s Vezina’s tenacity is contagious; everything Asima does, she does with passion. Asima works tirelessly to build and strengthen bridges with stakeholders from the post-secondary, government, research, business and other sectors – locally, regionally, provincially, nationally and internationally. 

A selection of recent accolades acknowledging President Vezina’s impact as a leader include the following:

• 2022 Community Impact Award – Economic Development
• 2021 Athena Leadership Award for professional excellence and dedication to improving the quality of life for others in the community while assisting others, particularly women, in realizing their leadership potential 
• 2020 SSM Innovation Centre SSMARt Innovation Women in Leadership Award
• 2019 Chamber of Commerce President’s Award

Prior to joining Algoma University, Asima worked in various administrative roles including: approximately 15 years as a Superintendent of Education with the District School Board Ontario Northeast and Algoma District School Boards; and Provincial Lead for the Ministry of Education within the Student Achievement Division – Leadership and Implementation Branch.  Asima is an active volunteer sitting on various boards and committees locally, provincially and nationally.  

Asima grew up in the Algoma region of Northern Ontario and continues to live there today.  She completed her undergraduate studies at Lakehead University, her Master’s in Educational Leadership at Nipissing University and is currently completing a PhD in Leadership through the Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education at OISE, University of Toronto.