As the University of Alberta begins its search for its next chancellor, longtime Edmonton land developer and current chancellor Ralph Young says that what served him best in fulfilling this incredible opportunity to give something back to his alma mater was listening.
"Being chancellor is an opportunity to be the public interface with all of these people who care deeply about the importance of education," said Young, who travelled with fellow U of A senators to every corner of the province learning about community perspectives on the future of education. "These ideas and opinions are important messages for us to hear at the University of Alberta
"It's important for the chancellor to listen, to take an interest and to share these perspectives forward with our university campus communities in Edmonton and in Camrose."
The chancellor is the honorary head of the U of A, chairs the university's senate, serves as a member of the Board of Governors, represents the institution at all ceremonial occasions and confers degrees at convocation. The chancellor is a sage adviser and active volunteer who represents the public interest in the university and upholds the university's promise of "uplifting the whole people" through knowledge and service.
"Convocation ceremonies, including the celebration of our graduates and the awarding of honorary degrees to inspiring people from so many different backgrounds: these celebrations each spring and fall are one of the key highlights for me-plus the many smaller opportunities to connect with faculty and students on a myriad of projects and issues."
Young says he has really enjoyed meeting young students in U School-one of the signature senate and university programs encouraging young people to experience the opportunities of a post-secondary education and to consider possible new paths in their future-and of course working with all the volunteers on the senate.
"Working with the senate, an exceptionally motivated group of volunteer senators with its mandate to inquire, promote and connect this great university with the community and to celebrate all that the university contributes to our society-that has been very rewarding."
Nominate the U of A's next chancellor
The university senate, a 62-member volunteer advisory body with a mandate to inquire into any matter that might benefit the university and enhance its reputation in the community, will elect the chancellor on May 6, 2016.
Nominees must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. Nominees should possess a deep and abiding interest in public education as well as a passion for and commitment to the University of Alberta as a public institution. Nominees should also possess excellent leadership, governance and communication skills; an ability to build relationships with diverse communities and organizations; and the energy and flexibility to devote sufficient time to the considerable ambassadorial duties involved.
Nomination information is available from the Office of the Chancellor and Senate. Call 780-492-0449, email chancellor.nomination@ualberta.ca or visit senate.ualberta.ca.
Complete nominations, including letters of support from two nominators, three additional letters of reference and the nominee's resume, letter of interest and signed consent should be submitted by 4 p.m. Monday, March 7, 2016, and addressed in confidence to:
Chair, Nomination of Chancellor - Joint Committee Office of the Chancellor and Senate
322 Arts and Convocation Hall, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E6
chancellor.nomination@ualberta.ca