Dr. Ed McCauley reappointed as University of Calgary president and vice-chancellor for second term

The University of Calgary Board of Governors recently voted to reappoint Dr. Ed McCauley, PhD, for a second term as the university’s president and vice-chancellor. McCauley’s second term as president and vice-chancellor will run through to Dec. 31, 2028.

McCauley became the university’s ninth president on Jan. 1, 2019, with his first term set to expire on Dec. 31, 2023. Earlier this year, he advised the Board that he wished to be considered for a second term, initiating the university’s presidential reappointment process.

The Board’s decision to reappoint follows the recommendation of the Presidential Review Committee, an advisory committee established to review the performance of the president and make a recommendation to the Board regarding reappointment. Geeta Sankappanavar, chair of the Board of Governors, chaired the committee.

“After a thorough review process, the Presidential Review Committee was pleased to recommend Dr. McCauley’s reappointment as president and vice-chancellor,” says Sankappanavar. “UCalgary has made great strides during his first term, which include ranking among the top-five research universities, closing the $1.4-billion Energize campaign, becoming the top startup creator amongst research institutions in Canada, climbing to the top three per cent in the Times Higher Education global sustainability ranking, and establishing an ambitious framework to advance the university’s goals over the next decade.

"Much of this was accomplished against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as significant budget challenges. Dr. McCauley has positioned UCalgary as a strong community partner by attracting leading innovative partnerships that will help arc the university and the city of Calgary to a stronger future. The comprehensive feedback the committee received during the review process reflects the campus and wider communities’ support for Dr. McCauley and his vision for the university.”

McCauley’s UCalgary roots run deep, having served as a professor, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair and vice-president (research) before stepping into the role of president on Jan. 1, 2019. Looking forward, he aims to capitalize on the momentum of his first term and strengthen the university’s focus on student experience, research, community connections and transdisciplinary collaboration.

“Having been a part of the University of Calgary family for more than 30 years, serving as the ninth president and vice-chancellor has been an incredible honour,” says McCauley. “I’d like to thank the Presidential Review Committee, the Board of Governors and all those who participated in the review process, including students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members. It’s a privilege to serve this university. Our university is on an incredible journey to improve the world around us, and I look forward to working together to achieve our next milestones.”

On behalf of the Board, Sankappanavar expressed her appreciation to the Presidential Review Committee for their time and dedication. Members include:

• Cody Church — Board vice-chair (committee vice-chair)
• Deborah Yedlin — Chancellor Emerita
• Nancy Foster, Mark Herman and Heather Christie-Burns — Governors appointed by the Executive Committee of the Board
• Barb McCutcheon — Alberta Union of Public Employees (AUPE) representative
• David Stewart —The Faculty Association University of Calgary (TUCFA) representative
• Aziz Akbari — Management and Professional Staff (MaPS) executive committee representative
• Sandra Davidson — Deans’ Council representative
• Mary Grantham, O'Brien and Hussein Warsame — General Faculties Council representatives
• Patrick Lor — Board of Directors of the Alumni Association representative
• Nicole Schmidt — Students’ Union (SU) representative
• Tanille Shandro — Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) representative