Prince George, B.C. – An academic leader with a background in health sciences and kinesiology and extensive post-secondary experience will join UNBC as its new Vice President Academic and Provost. Following an extensive search process, Dr. Wendy Rodgers, who currently serves as deputy provost at the University of Alberta, will begin her role at UNBC in early September.

“Dr. Rodgers was impressive throughout the selection process. She presented not only her experience and passion for education but demonstrated an understanding of UNBC’s opportunities and challenges along with ideas and approaches for UNBC to consider moving forward,” says UNBC President Dr. Geoff Payne. “I thank the selection committee for their expertise and the considerable time commitment that comes with participating in such a robust search and look forward to welcoming Dr. Rodgers to UNBC this fall.”

Dr. Rodgers earned her PhD in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo, with a master’s degree from Western University and an undergraduate degree from York University. Her duties as deputy provost include leading key strategic initiatives and advising on key academic issues, such as leadership development among faculty and administrators, faculty relations, and online strategy development.

“I am very excited about joining UNBC with its strong commitment to inclusion, to the student experience, relationships with community and the environment, and research excellence,” says Dr. Rodgers. “UNBC is perfectly situated to be an exemplar for the future of post-secondary education and locally and globally impactful scholarship and research.”

Dr. Rodgers’ prior experience is extensive. Before serving as deputy provost, she was the vice dean for the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation and acting director of the Research Ethics Office at the University of Alberta, among other administrative roles. She started her professorial career as an assistant professor in the Faculty of Human Kinetics at the University of Windsor before moving to the University of Alberta, where she has been a full professor for almost 20 years. Her teaching and research expertise include exercise and health psychology, social cognitive theory applied to physical activity and health behaviours, and research methods. 

“Adding a leader such as Dr. Rodgers to UNBC will help us further strengthen our mandate of being in the North for the North while also demonstrating impact at the provincial, national, and international level,” adds UNBC Board Chair Catherine Wishart. “We had a tremendous pool of applicants who brought forward their passion for post-secondary education. On behalf of the Board, I congratulate Dr. Rodgers and look forward to working with her.” 

The Vice President Academic and Provost leads the comprehensive strategic planning, development, and implementation of academic priorities at UNBC. The Office of the Provost collaborates with governance, academic, administrative, research, finance and other service areas of the University to ensure UNBC delivers excellence in academic programs and research initiatives.