Dr. Neil Besner
WINNIPEG, MB– Dr. Neil Besner has been appointed to the role of Provost and Vice-President, Academic and International at The University of Winnipeg. The new role, achieved through administrative restructuring and streamlining, is effective March 1, 2013. In addition to his current duties as Vice-President (Research, Recruitment and International), Dr. Besner has agreed to assume the responsibilities of Vice-President Academic and Provost, from November 19, 2012 to February 28, 2013.
Beginning in March, Dr. Besner’s restructured portfolio will include the duties
currently assigned to the VP-Academic and Provost role, as well as oversight of the following areas: International, Global College, English Language Program, Recruitment, Admissions, Awards and Financial Aid.
“Dr. Besner has made significant contributions — both academically and administratively — to the success of our institution,” said Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice Chancellor at UWinnipeg. “His commitment and strong ideals will continue to benefit the campus community as we pursue academic excellence and innovation. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Besner as he takes on these additional responsibilities.”
Dr. Besner has taught Canadian literature at the University of Winnipeg since 1987. Since that time, he has also held the roles of Chair, English Department, 1993-2000; Dean of Humanities (2002-05); Dean of Arts (2005-06); Associate Vice-President, International (2006-09); Deputy Provost and AVP International, 2008-09; Vice-President, Students and International (2009-2010); Vice-President, Research and International (2010-12); and Vice-President, Research, Recruitment and International (2012).
Dr. Besner has been a long time ambassador for liberal arts education and for The University of Winnipeg. He is currently part of a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) team that is working on a transnational literacy project focused on pedagogy in Canada and Brazil.
