Alaa Abd-El-Aziz reappointed as UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor
Dedicated to making UPEI ‘destination of choice' for higher learning
The University of Prince Edward Island's Board of Governors announced today that Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz has been reappointed to the position of President and Vice-Chancellor of the University for a second five-year term.
'Since joining UPEI, Alaa has worked tirelessly with the University community to improve teaching, learning and research. He inspires everyone to do their very best and cares deeply about the success of UPEI's students,' noted Tom Cullen, chair of the Board of Governors. 'The President's academic and institutional leadership has contributed significantly to the growing profile and reputation of UPEI.'
In his first term as president, Abd-El-Aziz led a consultative process to produce the UPEI Strategic Plan (2013-18), which guides the University in its academic development, enrolment management planning, and improving student success. This plan, developed through Abd-El-Aziz's trademark collaborative style, has been the impetus for several initiatives to enhance the University's teaching, learning, research, and service mission, including, the establishment of the School of Sustainable Design Engineering, the new academic planning process, and the creation of eight alumni chapters.
'I am deeply honoured by the confidence extended to me by the University's Board of Governors and am delighted to have the opportunity to fulfill the strategic direction we have embarked on over the coming years,' said Abd-El-Aziz. 'I am dedicated to working with my colleagues to make UPEI a destination of choice for Island, Canadian, and international students.'
Under Abd-El-Aziz's leadership, UPEI's financial position has remained positive despite challenging economic times. With his guidance, the University has consistently delivered balanced budgets based on academic priorities, encouraged steady student enrolment in the face of demographic decline, and negotiated a difficult collective bargaining agreement in an open and collaborative manner.
'Alaa has demonstrated the ability to make difficult but necessary decisions to ensure the financial viability of the University,' added Cullen. 'His initiatives have positioned UPEI for success and positive transformation.
'He is a true champion for our University.'
The Board of Governors consulted widely with University stakeholders, including the campus community, government, and business and non-profit organizations during the presidential review process. The Board of Governors is the governing body of the University and is comprised of 26 individuals drawn from the community at large and administrative, alumni, faculty, staff, and student representatives.
About the University of Prince Edward Island
Located on 140 acres in Charlottetown, the birthplace of Confederation, the University of Prince Edward Island has a rich history with roots in two founding institutions, Prince of Wales College (est. 1834) and St. Dunstan's University (est. 1855). UPEI honours this proud legacy through a growing reputation for research innovation and academic excellence.
UPEI's four faculties (arts, education, science, and veterinary medicine) and two schools (business and nursing) offer a wide range of programs and degrees to approximately 4,400 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students, from over 60 countries.
Home to multiple Canada Research Chairs, a Canada Excellence Research Chair in Aquatic Epidemiology, endowed research chairs, and 3M National Teaching Fellows, UPEI offers its students a tightly-knit community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni that takes pride in supporting their success.
