Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie has named Asima Vezina as its new president and vice-chancellor. Vezina will take on her new role on Oct. 23.
“Today marks an important step for our university,” said Mark Nogalo, chair of the Algoma University board of governors, in an Oct. 2 news release.
“Asima is a proven leader in our community and beyond. Her extensive leadership experience, her proven passion for education and for Algoma University, as well as her collaborative and transformational leadership style will position the university for the future.”
Vezina is well-known to the community of Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding areas. She was raised in the area and has worked extensively across Northern Ontario throughout her career in education, including as superintendent of education with the Timmins and Algoma District School Boards. She is currently working with the Ministry of Education as a provincial lead within the Student Achievement Division.
Vezina served as a member and chair of the Algoma University board of governors for three years and as a member and vice-chair of the Council of Chairs of Ontario Universities.
Holding a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Vezina is currently completing a leadership PhD program at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto through their department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education.
In her community roles, she has been a strong advocate for improvements to mental health services, and she has also played an instrumental role, serving on many local committees, working towards making the city and surrounding area a welcoming community for all.
“I look forward to meeting, engaging with, and working collaboratively alongside the talent and expertise of the entire university community, our wonderful stakeholders and partners,” said Asima.
“Algoma University has a strong 2015-2021 Strategic Plan and vision, one that recognizes the significant accomplishments of the past, provides a transformational learning experience for students and positions the organization well for the opportunities of the future.”
Vezina was selected following what the university described as a “rigorous six-month nationwide search process” for a successor to Dr. Craig Chamberlin, who resigned from his role as president in December, 2016 after just 18 months on the job.
