The search is underway for Yukon University’s next President and Vice-Chancellor.
Dr. Shelagh Rowles, Provost and Vice-President Academic, has stepped into the role of interim president and will continue in this capacity until a new president is appointed.
Yukon University has formally begun its search for the next President and Vice-Chancellor, supported by the Presidential Recruitment Committee.
Role of the President and Vice-Chancellor
The President and Vice Chancellor is the legislated Chief Executive Officer of the University and provides strategic leadership for the University, reporting to the Board of Governors.
The responsibilities are defined in section 34 of the Yukon University Act and the Yukon University President Responsibilities Policy – BOG 3.0.
Search Process
On January 19, 2026, the Board of Governors approved the establishment of a Presidential Recruitment Committee with the mandate to:
- Oversee the recruitment process for the next President and Vice-Chancellor
- Report to the Human Resources Committee of the Board
- Make a final recommendation on a candidate for President to the Board of Governors
The committee is comprised of members of the Board of Governors, faculty, staff, and a student representative, reflecting the breadth of the Yukon University community.
Meet Your Search Team
Presidential Recruitment Committee membership:
- Chris Mahar, Chair of the Board of Governors
- Brenda Butterworth-Carr, Governance Committee Chair
- Tom Ullyett, Human Resources Committee Chair
- Michelle Parsons, Indigenous Advisory Circle Vice-Chair
- Jennifer Walmsley, Student member of the Board of Governors
- Mark Wedge, Board member selected by the Board of Governors
- Jared Gonet, Applied Science & Management Faculty member
- Jeanelle Julien, Applied Arts Faculty member
- Derek Yap, Staff member
Timeline
The Presidential Recruitment Committee began its work in March 2026.
Estimated Search Timeline
While every search is dynamic and time frames are subject to change, the following outlines the anticipated timeline for this search:
- Application Deadline: July 31, 2026
- Shortlist Candidates: August 2026
- Shortlist Interviews: September/October
- Board Confirmation: December 2026
- Start Date: Early 2027
Position Profile
The Board of Governors has confirmed the Position Profile and Competencies for the role of President & Vice-Chancellor.
You can view the full details in the Executive Brief.
Expression of Interest
Expressions of interest for the position of President and Vice-Chancellor will be accepted until:
July 31, 2026, at 4:30 pm local time.