Dr. Craig Chamberlin was installed on Saturday as the third President and first-ever Vice Chancellor of Algoma University in a series of intimate ceremonies held on the campus of Algoma University.
Prior to starting his five-year term at Algoma University on July 1st 2015, Chamberlin was an Associate Professor at the University of Regina for 13 years. With the University of Regina, he served as both Dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies and Dean of the Faculty of Social Work. He also served as the founding head of the Kinesiology and Physical Education Department at the University of the Fraser Valley for over a decade. Chamberlin holds a Ph.D. in Kinesiology with a specialization in Motor Learning and Control from Louisiana State University and a B.PE. and M.PE. from the University of British Columbia. His professional experience includes faculty positions at the University College of the Fraser Valley, University of Northern Colorado, California State University, Northridge, and Medicine Hat College.
“The installation of a university President is steeped in tradition,” stated David Marasco, Algoma University’s Registrar. “The event provides the university with an avenue to recognize past achievements and to reaffirm its mission to its many constituents, both internal and external, while also allowing the new President to communicate his vision for the future.”
The installation ceremony commenced on Algoma U’s campus with a sacred fire and drum honour song at the Fire Arbour, in advance of the private investiture in the Bishop Fauquier Memorial Chapel. The formal inauguration happened in the newly restored Shingwauk Auditorium. During the inauguration, Chamberlin received numerous congratulatory messages from internal stakeholders, as well as from a number of dignitaries from the greater community, including Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Christian Provenzano, Bryan Hayes M.P. of Sault Ste. Marie, Dr. Ron Common President of Sault College, and Dr. David Myton Associate Provost of Lake Superior State University.
At the inauguration, Chamberlin shared his sentiments and vision for Algoma U. “Algoma University can become a truly great university. We can do that by coming together as a respectful community of scholars, by having a collective vision for the future, by focussing on our learners, and by working in partnership with our communities. It will not be easy, but by trusting each other and being open and honest, this can happen,” said Chamberlin.
Chamberlin also announced the creation of 21, $2,500 President’s Scholarships to help provide financial support to students. The scholarships will be divided equally amongst local students, international students, and First Nations students. “With the economic realities of our world, the cost of education is rising, the composition of our learners is changing, and it is becoming increasingly challenging for our students to put their full effort into their studies. Providing financial aid and support to our learners is becoming more critical. To provide help in a small way, I am pleased to announce today as part of this event, we will be making available to our learners 21, $2,500 President’s Scholarships.”
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For more information, please contact:
Meaghan Kent
Communications Writer
705.949.2301 ext. 4121
705-971-2227
meaghan.kent@algomau.ca
