Dr. Chad London has been named Provost and Vice-President Academic at Mount Royal University beginning on Jan. 3, 2023.
As provost, London will lead MRU's academic operations while liaising with the executive team to ensure strategic goals are met. London's values and passion for undergraduate education - with roots developed at Mount Royal - along with his leadership experience demonstrated to the search committee that he is the right person to bring on board.
London has a 20-year history with the university that includes distinguished teaching and leadership awards. He was hired as a faculty member in 1996 and was later appointed chair of physical education and recreation studies. Starting in 2003, London spent eight years as an associate dean in the former Faculty of Health and Community Studies prior to serving as dean of the Faculty of Health, Community and Education from 2011 to 2016.
He will return to familiar territory following six years at the University of Saskatchewan where he oversees undergraduate and graduate kinesiology programs and a significant research enterprise as dean of the College of Kinesiology.
"It is truly an honour to have the opportunity to serve as Provost and Vice-President, Academic to shape the academic vision of one of Canada's finest undergraduate universities, says London. "The strength of MRU is its people and I am excited to collaborate with students, faculty, staff, leadership, and the broader community to come together in building on Mount Royal's 100-plus year rich history in transforming lives through education."
London, who earned a PhD in educational leadership from the University of Calgary, a Master of Human Kinetics in Sport Management from the University of Windsor and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Lethbridge, says he plans to build on the strong reputation MRU has established as a student-centred undergraduate university in line with the mission and vision outlined in the university's current Strategic Planning Framework.
"MRU is perfectly positioned to elevate its place as the university where students know they belong, are supported, and build lifelong relationships, all while they prepare themselves for future career and study opportunities in areas that address societal needs," says London.
Dr. Tim Rahilly, President and Vice-Chancellor at MRU expressed his deep thanks to the search committee who helped in the extensive process while sharing the attributes and talents of London that stood out during the recruitment process.
"Dr. London understands Mount Royal's past and the direction we are headed, says Rahilly. "He appreciates the dynamic culture we have here at MRU and wants to strengthen and grow the academic programs we are so proud to feature; I look forward to supporting him in these pursuits and I know I'm not alone."
Dr. Elizabeth Evans will continue to serve as interim provost and vice-president, academic until the end of January to help hand off responsibilities and ongoing projects to London. The returning Calgarian says this city is a place that feels like home to his family, especially for his children who grew up joining him on campus, attending MRU Camps and watching Cougars games.
"I can't wait to be back on campus to take in a concert in the Bella, get in a workout in the Recreation Centre, discover the amazing Riddell Library and Learning Centre, and walk the beautiful grounds while chatting with folks," says London.
