Anthony Fields, an oncologist and leader in cancer care, has been appointed the first chancellor of MacEwa
n University. Dr. Fields will hold the position for four years, beginning July 12. From Barbados, Dr. Fields emigrated to Canada after studying natural sciences at the University of Cambridge. He graduated from the University of Alberta’s faculty of medicine and dentistry, and went on to complete postgraduate training in internal medicine and medical oncology at the University of Toronto. Most recently, Dr. Fields was a professor of oncology at the U of A and vice-president of Alberta Health Services before retiring in 2011. He has held many volunteer and professional roles, was named one of Alberta’s 100 physicians of the century in 2005 and was appointed a member of the Order of Canada in 2012.
Memorial University welcomed Catharyn Anderson as its first vice-president, Indigenous. Since 2015, Ms. Anderson has served as a special advisor to the president on Indigenous affairs and led the creation of the university’s strategic framework for indigenization. In her new role, she will continue to build meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples and advance indigenization work. She will join the vice-presidents council, which is the senior leadership body responsible for pan-university decision-making. Ms. Anderson will serve a five-year term, with the possibility of renewal for another five years.
Kenneth Werbin became the acting dean of the faculty of liberal arts at Wilfrid Laurier University on July 1. Most recently, he was the associate dean of the faculty of liberal arts and an associate professor in the digital media and journalism, cultural analysis and social theory, and social justice and community engagement programs. Dr. Werbin was also the program coordinator of the digital media and journalism program from 2015 to 2018, where he developed and implemented curriculum updates in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action for journalism and media schools.
Laurianne Sylvester is the new dean of Cape Breton University’s Unima’ki College. Ms. Sylvester is from the Membertou Fist Nation and began her 20 years of work in education in her home community as an elementary teacher. She later served as vice-president of Membertou Elementary and spent a decade as the director of academic services for Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey. As dean, she will work to enhance support services and response to the academic, emotional, physical and spiritual needs of students.
First Nations University of Canada announced the appointment of Jacqueline Ottmann, Misiaykimigookpaypomoytung, as its next president, effective Sept. 7. Dr. Ottmann is currently the president of the Canadian Society for the Study of Education and is the founding editor of thrivance: Journal of Indigenous Ways of Being, Knowing and Doing. She has also worked as an educator, advisor, researcher and administrator at the University of Calgary and the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Ottmann is a member of the Fishing Lake First Nation in southern Saskatchewan.