MacEwan University names new president
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A former deputy minister with Advanced Education has been named as MacEwan University’s next president.
On Aug. 1, Dr. Annette Trimbee will take on the role as president and vice-chancellor of the university, according to a news release on Tuesday. She has served as president and vice-chancellor of the University of Winnipeg since 2014.
Trimbee has strong ties to Edmonton. She was a postdoctoral fellow studying zoology at the University of Alberta and spent nearly 30 years in the city holding senior leadership positions in the Government of Alberta, including deputy minister with Advanced Education and Technology, the Treasury Board and Finance, and Service Alberta.
“I am very excited to return to Edmonton, and to have the opportunity to represent MacEwan and play a part in further defining the university’s identity,” Trimbee said in the release.
“I believe that MacEwan holds a unique space in Alberta’s post-secondary system. For nearly 50 years, MacEwan graduates have made a real difference in our city, throughout our province and around the world. I’m looking forward to working with faculty, staff and students to continue to inspire our community with the MacEwan story.”
Accomplishments during her time at the University of Winnipeg include growing research funding by more than 80 per cent and fulfilling the requirements for a Canada Research Chair Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan.
Trimbee currently chairs the board of directors for both the Canadian Research Knowledge Network and U Sports (formerly Canadian Interuniversity Sports/CIS) and also serves on the board of directors for Universities Canada. She holds a PhD in ecology from McMaster University, a Master of Science in botany from the University of Manitoba.
The search for a new president and vice-chancellor was conducted by recruitment firm Boyden and included consultation with the university community and external stakeholders.
“We were very pleased with the response to our search for a new president,” said Carolyn Graham, chair of MacEwan’s board of governors.
“Dr. Trimbee was the board’s unanimous choice. She is an accomplished leader and innovator with a proven track record of success both as president of the University of Winnipeg and within Alberta’s public service. She is a tremendous asset for MacEwan and will lead our community forward as we continue to evolve and define our identity.”
When Trimbee begins her new role, she will also take on an academic appointment as a professor in the department of biological sciences.
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