Dr. Ingrid Speaker (1991-1995)

Ingrid Speaker was elected the seventh Chancellor of the University of Lethbridge by the University Senate. She is the first University Chancellor to represent rural Alberta.

Ingrid Speaker was born in Taber, the youngest of three children of Mr. and Mrs. Alberta Schwab. She grew up in the Vauxhall area, graduating from Vauxhall High School. She went on to complete her BA from the University of Calgary in 1965 and her Professional Teaching Certificate from the University of Alberta in 1966. That same year she married Ray Speaker of Enchant. The couple live near Enchant where they own and operate a 2,000-acre irrigation/dryland farm.

Ingrid Speaker later completed a B.Ed. from the UofA, and has instructed English as a Second Language programs for further education in the Vauxhall area. She is an active volunteer in her community. Prior to becoming Chancellor, she also worked closely with the University of Lethbridge for many years. Her interest in this University began during the original discussion on the campus location and has continued through her roles as student, parent and volunteer for the institution. She was first elected to the UofL Senate in 1981 and served for eight years, two of them as the Senate's representative on the Board of Governors. She also chaired the Senate's Public Communications Committee and the Board's Alternative Funding Committee. Since 1989 she has been a member of the University's Capital Development Campaign Committee.

As she leads the University Senate and participates in the governing of the University over the next four years, Ingrid Speaker will be able to draw on her experiences as a rurual Albertan, an active member of the community, a concerned and involved citizen, a university student and a parent. Her perspectives will serve the University well, as the institution, in turn, serves in community.
-- Chancellor Installation citation, Spring 2011 Convocation