Wallin Resigns as U of G Chancellor
March 31, 2011 - News Release
Due to increased responsibilities in the Canadian Senate, Pamela Wallin has regretfully decided to step down as chancellor of the University of Guelph. The announcement was made today by president Alastair Summerlee.
"Due to her increasing role and responsibilities in the Senate and elsewhere, Senator Wallin feels that she can no longer devote the time necessary to properly serve as chancellor," Summerlee said.
One of Canada's most prominent media figures, a diplomat and an entrepreneur, Wallin first became chancellor in March 2007. She was elected by the University’s academic governing body, Senate, to a second three-year term last March.
“This has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” said Wallin. “These students are our future and our most important natural resource, and to share their moment of success is truly inspiring.”
Wallin has been a member of the Canadian Senate since 2008 and has assumed the chair of the National Security and Defence Committee. She also serves as a member of the Senate’s prestigious Foreign Affairs and International Trade Committee, the Veterans Affairs Subcommittee and the Special Senate Committee on Anti-terrorism. In addition, she was appointed honorary colonel of the Air Force in 2009 by the minister of defence.
“Pamela is a valued friend and champion of the University of Guelph and a passionate supporter of our students," Summerlee added. "She has made many significant contributions to the advancement of this university and to higher education in general. We are sad to see her go but wish her all the best.”
Wallin continues to serve as the senior adviser on Canada-U.S. relations at the Americas Society and the Council of the Americas in New York and Washington. She also sits on several corporate boards, as well as a number of not-for-profit organizations.
She was the seventh person and the second woman to hold the position of chancellor since the University’s founding in 1964.
Wallin’s career has spanned more than 30 years and several continents, including numerous positions at CBC and CTV. From 2002 to 2006, she served as consul general of Canada in New York.
U of G’s Senate will start the process of searching for a new chancellor immediately.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, Ext. 53338, lhunt@uoguelph.ca, or Deirdre Healey, Ext. 56982, d.healey@exec.uoguelph.ca.
