(Edmonton) After 30 years of accomplishments at the University of Alberta, Deputy Provost Dru Marshall has accepted the position of Provost and Vice President Academic at the University of Calgary, effective Aug. 1.
"Dru Marshall has been a valued colleague in the various roles she has played at the University of Alberta: as vice-dean in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, as a scholar in the area of childhood obesity and children's fitness and as a successful coach of university and national field hockey teams," said U of A Provost Carl Amrhein. "Dr. Marshall has served as a trusted adviser and productive leader in the Office of the Provost, and those of us who have served with her on General Faculties Council, Deans' Council and other campus-wide governing and advisory committees will miss her voice as we wrestle with issues and initiatives that shape the future of this university."
Marshall served as deputy provost since June 1, 2007, distinguishing herself as an intense advocate for post-secondary education and a dynamic champion for the U of A. In her time as deputy provost, Marshall has emerged as one of Alberta's most experienced academic leaders and administrators, and is responsible for a broad portfolio that includes the university's academic budget, strategic initiatives and academic quality assurance. She has been the key provincial government liaison for the U of A on academic budget, enrolment, tuition and other academic issues, and has been the lead on major strategic initiatives with organization-wide impact such as the university's institutional access plan. She has also been the regional chair for U of A's international strategies in Brazil and Mexico.
"I left the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation for the opportunity of working with Carl-and I couldn't have asked for a better mentor-and be part of President Indira Samarasekera's vision for the university," said Marshall. "What I didn't realize was how strong the entire team of vice presidents was, how each are great leaders in their own right and how fortunate I was to be able to be part of such a great team."
As one of Canada's most recognized and respected experts in the field of exercise physiology, Marshall has participated in numerous national and provincial committees and on advisory boards that have shaped public policy in the areas of health, wellness and physical activity. Prior to her appointment as deputy provost at U of A, Marshall held a series of increasingly senior roles in the university's Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, including vice-dean, associate dean (academic) and assistant dean (undergraduate programs).
Marshall is highly regarded for her work about women in sport and physical activity. The Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport and Physical Activity, or CAAWS, has twice recognized her as one Canada's most influential women in sport in Canada. She is a sought-after speaker and presenter at academic, government and association conferences and events across Canada, and is currently chair of CAAWS. She has published more than 30 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, more than 60 reports, manuals, abstracts and articles, and contributed to over 60 research projects.
Throughout her career, Marshall has been involved at the highest levels of amateur sport as a coach, trainer and physiologist. She helped lead the National Women's Field Hockey Team to medals in the 1999 Pan Am Games and the 2001 Americas Cup. She has a long list of prestigious coaching awards, and continues to mentor young coaches today. Marshall currently serves on two editorial boards for coaching journals.
Marshall will remain in her position as deputy provost until June 30.
Marshall says she has great memories from her time at the U of A and is grateful for the opportunities that she has had while being a graduate student and a member of the faculty. "The University of Alberta is a place rich with history and tradition-but the most important resource that it possesses are its people. They are special-and I consider myself lucky to have been a part of things here for the past 30 years."