The Honourable Lloyd Axworthy
By a unanimous decision at its December 15, 2003 meeting, The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents appointed Dr. Lloyd Axworthy as president of The University of Winnipeg.
The University’s Board of Regents made the appointment last night on the recommendation of the Presidential Search and Nominating Committee. Chaired by Board of Regent’s Vice-Chair Carole Wylie Basarab, the Committee conducted an extensive search throughout the country. The Search Committee-composed of a representative group of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and Regents-assessed the experience, professional qualifications, and personal qualities of a strong field of outstanding candidates.
“Upon completion of a full and exhaustive search, the Board of Regents of The University of Winnipeg is pleased that an individual of Dr. Axworthy’s integrity, leadership experience and acumen, commitment to the local and global community, and vision will be joining the remarkable administrative team assembled at the University,” states Richard Graydon, Board of Regents Chair.
Dr. Axworthy’s 5-year term as president of The University of Winnipeg-slated to start no later than July 2004-marks the beginning of a new chapter in his longstanding history with Winnipeg’s downtown, urban university. From 1965 to 1967, Axworthy, a member of the Class of ’61, was assistant professor of political studies at The University of Winnipeg. From 1969 to 1979, he held the post of director of the University’s Institute for Urban Studies. Dr. Axworthy succeeds Dr. Constance Rooke as sixth president of The University of Winnipeg.
In the past twelve months-under the leadership of Acting President and Vice-President (Academic) Patrick Deane, and with support from Vice-President (Finance & Administration) Stephen Willetts, and Vice-President (Students) Ian Cull, and the entire University community-the University has balanced its budget, eliminated a sizeable accumulated deficit, and, together with the Board of Regents, launched its fundraising arm – The University of Winnipeg Foundation.
“This is a turning point in the life of The University of Winnipeg,” states Sanford Riley, the sixth Chancellor of the University. “Leadership from a strong administrative team and the enthusiasm generated by the hard work and common vision of faculty, staff, students, and Regents have allowed us to deal with some very tough issues over the past few years and arise as a stronger institution. Mindful of our history and traditions, and with Dr. Axworthy’s leadership, we are well-prepared for this next leg of our journey.”
In 1973, Axworthy entered provincial politics, serving six years in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly. The next 21 years were spent as a member of the Federal Parliament. He has held several Cabinet positions: Minister of Employment and Immigration, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, Minister of Transport, of Human Resources Development, of Western Economic Diversification, and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
His work for the advancement of the human security concept, in particular, the Ottawa Treaty – a landmark global treaty banning anti-personnel landmines – has garnered international attention and a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. For his efforts in establishing the International Criminal Court and the Protocol on child soldiers, he received the North-South Institute’s Peace Award.
A member of the Order of Manitoba and the Order of Canada, Dr. Axworthy is a recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from The University of Winnipeg.
In 2000, after 27 years of public service, Axworthy became the Director and CEO of the Liu Institute for Global Issues at the University of British Columbia.
The Board of Regents at its November 3, 2003 meeting voted to augment the Vice-President (Academic) post by adding the position of Provost. As a matter of first priority, the new President will meet and negotiate with the Vice-President (Academic) and Provost Patrick Deane, the delegation of responsibilities.
The University of Winnipeg, located in the heart of the city, is a compact, caring community committed to access and excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. One of Canada’s top undergraduate universities, The University of Winnipeg is home to more than 8,000 full- and part-time students.
For more information, please contact:
Katherine Unruh, Director of Communications, The University of Winnipeg
T: 204.786.9872 C: 204.782.3279
