The University of Lethbridge has announced its 15th chancellor. Terry Whitehead was elected to the position by the ULethbridge Senate and will be installed in the role at the spring convocation ceremony in June.
The university says Whitehead is one of the institution’s most engaged and impassioned alumni and adds this is the second time in the school’s history an alumnus will occupy the role.
“When you think of the chancellor’s role and their relationship to the university, you can’t help but see Terry as an absolutely perfect fit,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, president and vice-chancellor. “He has long been one of the university’s greatest advocates and his support is tangible in the ways he has affected the lives of our students through the many awards and prizes he has created over the years. I’m excited to see what he will do in this new role and how he will continue to raise the profile of our university.”
Whitehead is currently a managing partner of a Vancouver-based search and management consulting firm and has served on the university’s board of governors and started multiple initiatives at the school. These include supporting arts, athletics and student food security issues. He says he views the position as an opportunity to take his work with the university to another level.
“This is a fantastic institution and I have such wonderful memories and am deeply appreciative of my time here as a student,” he says. “Coming here really changed my perspective on everything, changed my worldview. I’m so grateful for the liberal education experience — it really inspired my curiosity and gave me the critical thinking skills to apply to the bigger world.”
Whitehead has already been behind the creation of many initiatives, including the Bridge Prize short story contest, the Play Right Prize and the Pronghorns Citizenship Award.
The chancellor’s primary responsibilities are to chair the University Senate and preside over convocation ceremonies. Whitehead takes on the role from Charles Weaselhead, who the university says was instrumental in supporting inclusivity and indigineity on campus.
