Provost honoured for excellence in public administration

Carl Amrhein receives Alberta Lieutenant Governor's Award for leadership and commitment to public service.

(Edmonton) University of Alberta provost Carl Amrhein has been honoured for his career achievements in advancing excellence in public service.

Amrhein was named this year's recipient of the Alberta Lieutenant Governor's Award for Excellence in Public Administration, from the Institute of Public Administration of Canada.

In announcing the award, the institute praised Amrhein's "global and dedicated approach to public administration and leadership," noting that he "encourages world-class linkages and community development alike at the University of Alberta focusing on strategies for quality academic experiences for faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, and staff."

Amrhein was nominated by Olive Yonge, deputy provost (academic) at the U of A. In her nomination, Yonge wrote, "Dr. Amrhein's commitment and dedication to the university, wider community, and international contacts is widely appreciated. His interactions with these groups have contributed to his reputation to excellence and dedication.

"Known as a natural trailblazer, Dr. Amrhein is highly intelligent, people centred, and a greatly respected leader," Yonge added. "Others carefully track his service-oriented initiatives to emulate his work."

Each year, the institute presents the Alberta Lieutenant Governor's Award to recognize an outstanding individual who has shown distinctive leadership in public administration or made a significant contribution in the province by writings or other endeavours.

The award pays tribute to public sector practitioners whose careers exhibit the highest standards of excellence, dedication and accomplishments. It seeks to provide recognition of an outstanding individual and to underscore the efforts of creative, highly skilled individuals in the public sector.

Previous U of A winners of the award include political science professor Allan Tupper (2006), former VP academic Peter Meekison (1994) and former university president Myer Horowitz (1987).

Alberta's deputy minister of Executive Council, Richard Dicerni, will present Amrhein with the award at a ceremony at Government House in Edmonton on Oct. 28. The award is jointly sponsored by the Edmonton and Calgary regional groups of IPAC.