MRU Announces Dr. Chad London, PhD as the next Provost and Vice-President, Academic
July 21, 2022
Dr. Chad London, PhD, has been selected as the successful candidate for the role of provost and vice-president, academic at Mount Royal University, beginning on Jan. 3, 2023.
This important role requires someone with an ability to lead academic operations while liaising with the executive team to ensure strategic goals are being met. London’s values and passion for undergraduate education — with roots developed at Mount Royal — along with his leadership experience, demonstrated to the search committee that he is the right person to bring on board.
There will be many at MRU who are familiar with London considering he has a 20-year history at the university that includes being recognized with distinguished teaching and leadership awards. He was hired as a faculty member in 1996 and went on to be appointed as chair of physical education and recreation studies. Starting in 2003, London spent eight years as an associate dean in the former Faculty of Health and Community Studies prior to serving as dean of the Faculty of Health, Community and Education from 2011 to 2016. He now returns to familiar territory following six years at the University of Saskatchewan where he oversees undergraduate and graduate kinesiology programs and a significant research enterprise as dean of the College of Kinesiology.
“It is truly an honour to have the opportunity to serve as provost and vice-president, academic, to shape the academic vision of one of Canada's finest undergraduate universities,” London says. “The strength of MRU is its people and I am excited to collaborate with students, faculty, staff, leadership and the broader community to come together in building on Mount Royal's 100-plus years of rich history in transforming lives through education.”
London, who earned a Doctor of Philosophy in educational leadership from the University of Calgary, a Master of Human Kinetics in sport management from the University of Windsor and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Lethbridge, has expressed that he plans to build on the strong reputation MRU has established as a student-centred liberal undergraduate university while doing his part to keep on track with the mission and vision outlined in the university’s current Strategic Planning Framework.
“MRU is perfectly positioned to elevate its place as the university where students know they belong, are supported, and build lifelong relationships, all while they prepare themselves for future career and study opportunities in areas that address societal needs,” London says.
Dr. Timothy Rahilly, PhD, president and vice-chancellor at MRU, expresses his deep thanks to the search committee who helped in the extensive process while sharing the attributes and talents of London that stood out during recruitment.
“Dr. London understands Mount Royal’s past and the direction we are headed,” Rahilly says. “He appreciates the dynamic culture we have here at MRU and wants to strengthen and grow the academic programs we are so proud to feature. I look forward to supporting him in these pursuits and I know I’m not alone.”
Dr. Elizabeth Evans, PhD, will continue to serve as interim provost and vice-president, academic, until the end of January to help hand off responsibilities and ongoing projects to London.
The returning Calgarian says this city is a place that feels like home to his family, especially for his children who grew up joining him on campus, attending MRU Camps and watching Cougars games.
“I can't wait to be back on campus to take in a concert in the Bella, get in a workout at Recreation, discover the amazing Riddell Library and Learning Centre and walk the beautiful grounds while chatting with folks,” London says.