An accomplished professional with over 20 years of operational, strategic-planning and change management experience in complex multi-faceted environments has been named the University of Lethbridge's new Vice-President (Finance & Administration).
Deborah Lucas comes to ULethbridge having led major initiatives at both Huron University College and Western University.
Deborah Lucas comes to ULethbridge having led major initiatives at both Huron University College and Western University and excels as a strategically focused problem solver committed to organizational excellence and operational efficiency.
"Deborah will be an excellent addition to the senior administrative team, and I look forward to the perspective and ideas she will bring in her role," says Dr. Digvir Jayas, ULethbridge president and vice-chancellor. "Having worked extensively in the post-secondary sector, Deborah's insight will be especially valuable as we continue to finalize our next Comprehensive Strategic Plan and begin to develop our South Campus, among many other initiatives."
Lucas is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Laurentian University. She began her professional career as CFO/Director - Finance and Administration at Ernst & Young, Caribbean and then as Assistant Vice-President - Financial Services at ICORR Properties Management Inc. She transitioned to the post-secondary sector in 2008 and has been working in that field since, last serving as Vice-President, Finance & Administration at Huron University College.
"I'm excited to join the University of Lethbridge and be a part of a community that is committed to student success and academic excellence" says Lucas. "In my role, I am dedicated to fostering an environment that ensures our operations support the teaching, learning and research at ULethbridge."
Lucas directed the end-to-end creation, architectural planning and construction of Huron's $65-million, 320-bed residential facility for Huron University, doubling campus housing occupancy for students. She also implemented a transformative meal plan initiative and led the successful implementation of a Finance ERP System for Huron.
In her roles at Western University, Lucas worked as a Human Resources Accountant and then in finance and administration leadership positions with the Department of Psychiatry and the Schulich School of Dentistry.
Lucas will begin her appointment at ULethbridge on Oct. 1, 2024.
