Yorkville University is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to its Board of Governors - Dr. Deborah Buszard and Ms. Ruth Wittenberg.
Both will join Yorkville University's board effective July 1, 2025, succeeding members Dr. Verna A. Magee-Shepherd and Dr. Jacquelyn Thayer Scott, whose terms have concluded. Verna and Jacquelyn's dedicated service, leadership, and thoughtful contributions, over many years, have contributed immeasurably to Yorkville's success.
Deborah Buszard, PhD, LLD, ICD.D, brings with her a distinguished, 30-year career in higher education and academic leadership across three provinces. An agricultural scientist by training, she most recently served as Interim President of the University of British Columbia, having previously led UBC's Okanagan Campus as Principal from 2012 to 2020. Deborah is widely respected as a champion of sustainability, and the vital role that universities play in advancing knowledge and societal well-being. She has also held senior academic positions at McGill University and Dalhousie University, where she notably founded the College of Sustainability.
Ruth Wittenberg, BA, brings over four decades of experience across academia, government, and the non-profit sectors. Her extensive career in the BC Public Service included leadership roles across several ministries, including the Ministry of Advanced Education, where she served as Assistant Deputy Minister responsible for the Post Secondary Education Division from 2006 to 2010. She also served for 10 years as President of the BC Association of Institutes and Universities (2010-2023), providing strategic counsel and advocacy on behalf of a network of postsecondary institutions. Wittenberg continues to serve in public policy and governance capacities, including with the Law Society of BC Tribunal and the British Columbia Assessment Authority.
Buszard and Wittenberg's additions to the board will bring invaluable perspective and expertise, helping Yorkville University to continue to grow and innovate in support of its community of students, faculty, and staff.
"We are thrilled to welcome Deborah and Ruth to the Board. Deborah's distinguished academic leadership and lifelong commitment to sustainability aligns powerfully with Yorkville's mission to foster responsible, forward-thinking graduates. Ruth brings an unwavering dedication to the unique value of teaching-focused universities, and a wealth of experience in shaping postsecondary policy and governance. Together, their insights will strengthen our ability to serve students and society with purpose and impact."
- Dr. Julia Christensen Hughes, President & Vice Chancellor
"Both Deborah and Ruth bring an incredible depth of knowledge and leadership experience that will be invaluable as we continue to shape the future of Yorkville University. Their diverse backgrounds in academic excellence, public policy, and advocacy for teaching-focused institutions will enrich our governance and help guide the university through its next phase of growth and innovation. "
- Dr. Michael Markovitz, Chair, Yorkville University Board of Governors
Dr. Deborah Buszard Bio:
Dr. Deborah Buszard, PhD, LLD, ICD.D, is an agricultural scientist with experience in senior leadership roles at three of Canada's research universities. Most recently she served as Interim President of The University of British Columbia, prior to that she was Principal of UBC's Okanagan Campus 2012-2020. Deborah is a passionate advocate for the role universities play in society: advancing knowledge, economic and social development, sustainability, social justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.
She began her academic career at McGill University, where she taught and led research in plant productivity and plant breeding, becoming Dean of the McGill Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in 1996. She joined Dalhousie University in 2006 as Director of Environmental programs and founder of the College of Sustainability. Deborah completed her university education in the UK, as an undergraduate at the University of Bath and her Ph.D. at the Wye Campus of Imperial College, London.
Ruth Wittenberg Bio:
Ruth Wittenberg has over 40 years of experience in the academic, government and voluntary sectors.
She served for a decade as President of the BC Association of Institutes and Universities (BCAIU) - an organization representing a group of public postsecondary institutions. In her role as president of the BCAIU, Wittenberg provided counsel to members on strategies and approaches to government and represented members points of view on policy, legislation and other actions.
Prior to her role as President for BCAIU, Wittenberg was employed by the British Columbia Public Service for more 30 years, holding positions with the Ministry of Advanced Education & Labour Market Development, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Human Resources, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Transportation, and Treasury Board. She also served as a member of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria board for more than six years, including serving as Board President from 2013 to 2018.
Wittenberg is currently a public representative on the Law Society of BC Tribunal, hearing matters of lawyer misconduct and admission to the profession. She is Chair of the British Columbia Assessment Authority, a Crown Corporation responsible for property assessment. She served for seven years as a faculty member for the United Way Public Policy Institute, where the focus was enhancing understanding and increasing capacity to advance public policy positions of strategic interest for the non-profit sector.
Wittenberg holds a BA from the University of Victoria.
