Message from the Chair of Board of Governors: Dr. Wendy Rodgers appointed as UPEI’s seventh President and Vice-Chancellor
The following message was emailed to students, staff, and faculty May 6, 2024
On behalf of the Board of Governors and Presidential Search Committee, I am excited to announce that after a comprehensive search and the Board’s unanimous approval, Dr. Wendy Rodgers has been appointed the seventh President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Prince Edward Island. Dr. Rodgers’ appointment is effective June 1, 2024.
Our presidential search focused on finding a president who could lead our inspired and innovative community to fulfill our mission and grow our impact as the province’s only degree-granting institution. We are confident that Dr. Rodgers will build trust among our stakeholders, engage with our students, and support the success of our world-class faculty and staff, while fostering a deep sense of community.
Dr. Rodgers most recently served as Vice-President Academic and Provost at the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George, BC, where she led the implementation of academic leadership development, developed new leadership positions, and reinvigorated numerous processes including quality assurance. Prior to that appointment, she served in a number of roles at the University of Alberta, including seven years as Deputy Provost. In this position, she led key strategic initiatives such as leadership development, faculty relations, development of the university’s equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI) strategic plan, and oversight of the Canada Research Chair program; and advised on key academic issues.
An authentic and passionate leader, Dr. Rodgers embodies the characteristics needed to build on UPEI’s reputation for teaching, learning, and research excellence. She impressed the Presidential Search Committee as well as the broader University community with her experience in leading institutional initiatives.
Dr. Rodgers’ extensive credentials reflect UPEI’s mission and values, in particular EDI and Indigenization, as well as a deep understanding of workplace fairness and how to create respectful environments. This will position her well to lead the execution of the UPEI Action Plan and shape the development of the University’s next strategic plan.
I’m pleased to share some words from Dr. Rodgers with you:
“The University of Prince Edward Island is an amazing institution of higher learning with a vibrant and resilient community of students, staff, and faculty. I am honoured to serve as UPEI’s seventh president at this important time of cultural change and thank the Board of Governors for placing their confidence in me. I look forward to ushering the University forward as we address challenges and seize strategic opportunities so that we can continue making a difference in the province, region, country and beyond. I am excited to get to work and be a part of UPEI’s future.”
While the Board is pleased to begin the next chapter, we are extremely appreciative of Dr. Greg Keefe’s service as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor since December 2021. He navigated the University through one of the most difficult and challenging periods in our history and always had a steady hand at the helm, allowing us to conduct a thorough search. He will continue in the post until Dr. Rodgers’ arrival and will remain as an advisor during the transition.
I would also like to sincerely thank the Presidential Search Committee, which included members appointed from both the Senate and Board, and UPEI’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion team for their diligence, dedication, and collective commitment to this endeavour over the past year. It was critical that the search included opportunities for input from a wide range of representatives of the University community—I am grateful to those community members who provided feedback throughout the selection process. Also, I extend my thanks to the Action Plan Advisory Group for their recommendations.
We are entering an exciting and pivotal time for the University of Prince Edward Island. After 50 years as a distinctive public post-secondary institution, UPEI is poised for change and impact over the next half-century. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Rodgers as she gets set to boldly lead UPEI to an even brighter future.
Sincerely,
Shannon MacDonald, FCA, CPA, ICD.D
Chair, UPEI Board of Governors
