University of Calgary has new board chair

Following an open recruitment competition, Jill Wyatt is the successful candidate for board chair. She served two terms on the senate of the University of Calgary and has been a public member on the Board of Governors for one year.

"Ms. Wyatt’s previous experience working with boards, and her proven commitment to lifelong learning, will help ensure that the University of Calgary continues to offer the highest-quality education to students. I look forward to working with her in her new role as chair. I’d also like to thank Ms. Wyatt’s predecessor, Gordon Ritchie, for his exemplary service to the university," says Marlin Schmidt, minister of Advanced Education.

Public members on post-secondary boards play an essential role in providing leadership and representing the interests of Albertans. The chair represents the Board of Governors to the minister of Advanced Education. Post-secondary boards are responsible for guiding the future of the institution and are accountable for ensuring that public funds are used in a fiscally responsible manner.

“I am truly honoured to chair the board at the University of Calgary. I look forward to working with students, fellow board members, stakeholders and the community to continue the University of Calgary’s tradition of being an outstanding institution," says Jill Wyatt.

“We are very fortunate that the Government of Alberta has appointed Jill Wyatt as chair of the University of Calgary. She is an experienced and thoughtful leader, a great community builder and innovator, and has been deeply connected to, and championed, our university for many years. On behalf of the entire University of Calgary community, we welcome her as our new chair," says Elizabeth Cannon, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Calgary.

Wyatt also served as chief executive officer of the YWCA of Calgary and vice-president of Community Investments and Collaborations with United Way of Calgary and area. She has received many commendations and awards, including the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, the Paul Harris Rotary Fellow Award, the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Award and the Alberta Centennial Medal.

Wyatt is bilingual, with a master’s degree in French from the University of Toronto, a bachelor of arts from York University and a diploma in education from the University of Calgary.

In addition, Pam Krause, Colin Jackson and Hafeez Chrishti have been appointed to the board and will serve as public members. Elaine Wong was also appointed to the board as a public member on Oct. 31, 2017.

The chair of the board of the University of Calgary is appointed for a term of up to three years and is eligible for reappointment to a second three-year term. No honourarium is paid. The chair and board members are reimbursed for allowable expenses as per institutional policy.