Dr. Jane Ngobia appointed as new Vice-President, People and Culture
The following message was also emailed to UPEI students, staff, and faculty on February 14, 2025.
Dear UPEI Community,
I am pleased to announce the Board of Governors approved the appointment of Dr. Jane Ngobia as the University of Prince Edward Island’s new Vice-President, People and Culture (VPPC) at its February 6th meeting. Among a slate of strong candidates, Dr. Ngobia was the unanimous choice of the selection committee. She will join the University on May 1, 2025.
Dr. Jane Ngobia is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of progressive experience in unionized post-secondary environments, both locally and internationally. She is passionate about fostering inclusive and thriving organizational cultures, consistently establishing structures that evolve and flourish over time.
As an inaugural vice president, assistant vice-president, and director, Dr. Ngobia has charted new paths in leadership with a commitment to excellence. With deep expertise in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), she is a staunch advocate for human rights and social justice.
Dr. Ngobia builds strong communities, fostering an environment where every individual is valued and encouraged to contribute. Her strategic efforts led Sheridan College to earn recognition as one of Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity for three consecutive years (2022, 2023, 2024).
As a recognized change agent, Dr. Ngobia excels in forging partnerships across siloed units and implementing initiatives that drive measurable outcomes while cultivating a culture of trust and belonging. Her accolades include The Globe and Mail’s ‘Best Executive Award’ (2021) for outstanding leadership; World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics’ ‘Silver Award of Excellence for Leadership in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion’ (2022); and Rotary Foundation’s Paul Harris Fellow (2023) for impactful global contributions.
Born and raised in Kenya, Dr. Ngobia embodies the Ubuntu philosophy, "I am because we are." A natural collaborator and team player, she inspires colleagues to pursue shared objectives with enthusiasm and accountability. Her unwavering passion for people and culture ignites a positive professional environment, making her a truly transformative leader.
I congratulate Dr. Ngobia on her new role.
I also thank Sue Connolly for her many valued contributions as interim VPPC. Sue will return to the University as Associate Vice-President, Legal after a brief administrative leave.
As chair of the selection committee, I also extend my thanks to members Dr. Miles Turnbull, Dr. Sobia Ali-Faisal, Dr. Charlene VanLeeuwen, Don MacKenzie, Hadiqa Sulman, Dr. Dan Hurnik, Karen Morse, and Kelly Drummond for their dedicated and thorough work.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Ngobia to the team! We look forward to her leadership in championing progressive people and culture strategies in alignment with the University’s mission and values, ensuring that UPEI is an employer of choice and a place where all members of the University community thrive.
Sincerely,
Wendy
