After nearly eight incredible years, Dr. Asima Vezina will be leaving her position as President and Vice-Chancellor of Algoma University to assume the role of President of International Business University in Toronto. This change comes into effect on February 28, 2025.
Dr. Vezina has made extraordinary contributions to Algoma University's vibrancy and sustainability, ensuring its continued success well into the future. The Board sincerely thanks Dr. Vezina for her years of dedicated service and wishes her every success in her new role.
To support the transition, the Board has appointed Dr. Donna Rogers as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Algoma University, effective March 1, 2025. Dr. Rogers brings extensive university leadership and management experience and currently serves as the Interim Vice-President of Academic and Research at Algoma. She previously held the roles of Academic Dean (2018-2020) and Vice-President, Academic and Research (2020-2022). We are pleased to welcome Dr. Rogers as Interim President, and we appreciate her commitment to supporting Algoma University throughout the recruitment process for a new president.
"I will always carry a special place in my heart for Algoma University. Those who have worked, studied, played, or visited understand when I say that this place has truly changed me as a human being. The opportunity to work side-by-side with the Survivor community, the appreciation I now hold for ensuring a multi-world view is embraced and respected in our classrooms - came from this beautiful place centred in a mission steeped in cross-cultural teaching, learning and understanding.
It has been a true honour to serve as Algoma University's president currently in my 8th year. I take so much with me as a leader, and I am deeply grateful to all of you for these teachings. Algoma's next chapter is exciting, and I feel very proud to have played a part in getting it there new graduate studies, Makwa Waakaa'igan, the new residence in Brampton, new teaching, learning, and research spaces, and a diversity of students, staff, and faculty who will inspire, energize, and forge new paths forward.
I do not say goodbye to Algoma - rather, baa-maa-pii, gi-gaa-waa-baa-min min-waa - until we meet again. I will carry the many memories, friendships, and stories with me forever. Chi-Miigwech for the wonderful time here."
- Dr. Asima Vezina
Under Dr. Vezina's leadership, Algoma University has become a Maclean's-ranked post-secondary institution that offers transformative education through a student-centred approach to teaching and learning.
"On behalf of the Board, I would like to express our deep gratitude for Dr. Vezina's leadership since assuming the role of President and Vice-Chancellor in October 2017. Dr. Vezina's tenure will be remembered for her relentless focus on community partnerships and collaborations, her dedication to students, and her vision for expanding graduate programs and teaching facilities to meet the needs of the communities we serve Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, and Brampton.
Dr. Vezina's tenure will be remembered for her unwavering focus on community partnerships and collaborations, her dedication to students, and her vision for expanding graduate programs and teaching facilities to meet the needs of the communities we serve Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, and Brampton. Under her leadership, Algoma University is now ranked among the top three universities in the province for financial health.
Dr. Vezina's deep commitment to working with Indigenous communities and organizations was firmly rooted in her dedication to the Special Mission, Strategic Plan, and the broader community. She held a special place in her heart for the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association and has been, and will remain, a steadfast champion of their work in truth-telling and healing."
- Kelli-Ann Lemieux, Chair, Board of Governors
Algoma University will commence the search for a new President and Vice-Chancellor immediately.
