Notice Board

Gord Jong, Chair of the Board of Governors of the University of Lethbridge, will conclude his first term as Chair at the end of October 2015.  In conversation with the Government of Alberta about the process for the reappointment of the Chair of the Board of Governors, the Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education has informed both Gord and the University, that an open and public process will be undertaken to choose a new board Chair. An open, advertised call for applicants will be made in the coming months with a goal to select a Chair for appointment in January 2016. The review of candidates and the selection of the final candidate for Chair of the Board of Governors will be made through a process that includes input from the University.

After nine years of service to the University on the board, and as Chair for the last three years, Gord Jong has chosen not to submit his name to this process for consideration of reappointment. During his tenure as Chair, Gord has successfully led the Board of Governors through a period of significant opportunity and change.  Initiatives during Gord’s tenure that have positioned the University for great success into the future include the advocacy for the Destination Project, that resulted in a $212-million commitment from the Province to the project, the development and approval of Destination 2020, the strategic plan of the University, the construction of the Mount Blakiston residence and the redevelopment of the budget allocation process and the balancing of the University budget during times of great fiscal challenge due to reductions in the Campus Alberta Operating Grant. Gord also chaired the reappointment committee for the President of the University. These initiatives, among many others, speak to the goals of the board to provide good governance, advocacy and support to our University community and most importantly to contribute to the continued success of the University of Lethbridge. Significantly, as Chair, Gord understood and respected the dual governance model of the University and ensured that the Board supported the necessary work of the General Faculties Council and ensured that the Board understood that its ultimate role was to be supportive of the great work of the people of the University - our students, faculty and staff.

Gord has agreed to extend his current term by an additional three months through to January 2016.  While we will appropriately celebrate Gord’s accomplishments at the conclusion of his term as Chair, I would like to request that you join me in expressing our sincere gratitude to Gord, his wife Elizabeth, and his family for their dedication and commitment to the University of Lethbridge over many, many years.

Dr. Mike Mahon
President and Vice-Chancellor
The University of Lethbridge