UPEI thanks outgoing, welcomes new Board of Governors

The University of Prince Edward Island announced its new slate for the volunteer Board of Governors today, fittingly on Founders Day, a day when UPEI honours those who contribute to the institution.

The Board of Governors, which is instituted under the terms of the University Act, consists of volunteers appointed from several organizations (Senate, Board, Alumni Association, Government of PEI, and Faculty). These volunteers are responsible for the governance of the University.

President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz said, “We are thankful to have representatives that volunteer and give generously of their time to serve on our Board of Governors. We value and appreciate that they share their great wisdom and experience from a variety of backgrounds to advance the priorities of the University.”

“I would like to thank outgoing Chair Tom Cullen who has served UPEI for many years on the Board and in a number of capacities. His support and the amount of time he has donated to this volunteer role was exemplary,” added Abd-El-Aziz. “I also thank Liz Maynard and Marva Sweeney-Nixon, outgoing board members who have also been tremendous assets to our Board. We thank them for their volunteer service.”

New board appointees include Ms. Mary Best, Ms. Bertha Campbell, and Professor Rabin Bissessur.

Taking on the Chair role is Mr. Pat Sinnott, who previously chaired the Finance and Audit Committee and was also Vice-Chair of the Board.

“We welcome the new appointees to the Board of Governors,” said Chair Pat Sinnott. “UPEI appreciates and thanks them for their commitment and for volunteering their time to UPEI and the community.”

2015-16 UPEI Board of Governors

Mr. Pat Sinnott, Chair of the Board
Dr. Don McDougall, Chancellor of UPEI
Dr. Alaa S. Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor of UPEI
Mr. Duncan Shaw, Chair - Development, Fundraising and External Relations Committee
Mr. Shawn Murphy, Chair - Governance and Appeals Committee
Mr. Scott D. Harper, Chair - Human Resources Committee
Mr. Ron Keefe, Chair - Finance and Audit Committee
Ms. Margo Thompson, Chair - Property and Asset Committee
Mr. Andrew Bartlett
Ms. Mary Best
Mr. Ryan Bradley
Professor Rabin Bissessur
Mr. John A. Buchanan
Ms. Bertha Campbell
Professor Gary Conboy
Ms. Tracey Cutcliffe
Professor Don Desserud
Dr. Linnell Edwards
Mr. Dana Kenny, Student Union President, UPEI
Mr. Ed Lawlor
Dr. Brian McMillan, President - Holland College
Professor Jim Sentance
Mr. Pierce Smith, Student Union Representative
Ms. Shauna Sullivan Curley, QC
Professor Lowell Sweet
Mr. Xuan ‘Frank’ Zhou