Athabasca University governors replace school president citing time of 'growth and needed stability'
Athabasca University's board of governors has replaced the president who resisted the government's demand to double the distance-learning school's number of employees who live in Athabasca.
The board announced Wednesday afternoon that Alex Clark, dean of health sciences, would take over for Peter Scott immediately.
"This is an important decision and comes at an important time of growth and needed stability. Dr. Clark was a leading candidate in our recent and thorough search for a new President," a statement from board chair Byron Nelson read.
In a news release, the university said it was "focused on open and flexible learning while also contributing to the local community."
Clark said he was committed to that vision and honoured to take on the role.
“We need to move beyond a zero-sum mindset and recognize that we can have an active presence that benefits the local community while also profoundly contributing provincially, nationally, and internationally," he commented. "In this post-pandemic era, AU’s unique role in open and flexible education has never been as precious or as needed."
BACKGROUND
A stalemate began in early 2022 when the provincial government threatened to withhold the school's monthly $3.4-million grant if it didn't bring the number of employees who live in Athabasca up to 500.
Scott said the demand would make it harder to recruit top talent and waste money, time and other resources.
Nelson was appointed as Athabasca University's board chair in the early summer by a provincial order in council.
- Get back to work: Alberta government threatens funding cuts to Athabasca University
- Athabasca University responds to UCP in fight over 'near-virtual' policy
- Province promises cash to relocate Athabasca University staff
- Alberta extends deadline for Athabasca U on deal to move staff into town
In October, the province overhauled the institution's board of governors.
In December, the provincial government and university reached a deal in which four of the university's executive members will be based in Athabasca and the number of local employees must grow from 252 to 277 within three years.
Advanced Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides called the targets "achievable" and then-president Scott said he was "pleased" with the plan.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.