Elizabeth Evans, PhD

Dr. Elizabeth Evans joined Mount Royal University in August 2016 as the Founding Dean of the Faculty of Business and Communication Studies. She subsequently served as Interim Provost and Vice President Academic from 2020 to 2023.

Currently, Professor Evans  is Senior Strategist, Aviation, Business and Communication Studies. Prioritizing  foundational relationship building between the MRU Aviation Program and the expanding aviation and aerospace sector.. In this role, she facilitates partnerships, enhances collaboration opportunities, and ensures that MRU’s Aviation program aligns with industry standards and emerging trends. Her efforts focus on bridging the gap between academic training and practical industry needs, preparing students for successful careers in aviation. Elizabeth aims to collaborate closely with industry leaders to develop innovative initiatives that advance aviation education and contribute to the sector's overall growth and development.

Prior to joining MRU, Dr. Evans held several positions at Toronto Metropolitan University ( formerly Ryerson University) including Associate Dean, Academic Undergraduate Programs in the Ted Rogers School of Management;  Director, School of Retail Management; and a Fellow of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Her long-standing career in academia is backed by more than 20 years in the retail and consulting businesses. Dr. Evans’ PhD Her doctoral dissertation studied the impact of foreign retail investment on domestic retail sectors during the acceleration of international retailing.  More recently her interests lie in the broader investigation of the role of innovation and creativity in problem solving at the individual, team and organizational levels.

Evan’s currently serves on the Alberta Strategic Aviation Advisory Council, a legislated advisory body to the Government of Alberta. In addition she has served as the regional lead for the Alberta Hub of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub; a representative for post-secondary on the Calgary Economic Development Innovation Agenda Team; and, the MRU lead on the Calgary Consortium for Work Integrated Learning. Elizabeth is a strong advocate for the MRU’s Ashoka U Changemaker Campus and for the advancement of women in leadership positions.