95 UPEI student-athletes achieve U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian status

The University of Prince Edward Island congratulates the 95 student-athletes who earned U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian status for the 2022–2023 season. This number represents 49.5 per cent of UPEI’s 192 varsity student-athletes.

UPEI student-athletes strive for excellence in sport, academics, and in the greater community. This level of academic achievement speaks volumes about their work ethic and to the quality of the coaches, faculty, staff, volunteers, and others who support them throughout the year.

UPEI biology professor awarded 2023 Emerging Scholar Research Grant by Canadian Cancer Society

Dr. Pat Murphy, an assistant professor in biology at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), has received a 2023 Emerging Scholar Research Grant from the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) for his research into the role of bioactive metabolites in breast cancer. The grant is valued at $600,000 over five years.

Murphy is exploring ways to unlock the bioactive properties of kynurenine pathway metabolites to design new therapeutic approaches to breast cancer, which still causes over 5,500 deaths in Canada despite modern medicines. 

UPEI history professor named to the Order of Canada

Dr. Edward MacDonald, professor of history at UPEI, was among 78 Canadians named to the Order of Canada by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, on December 28, 2023.

The citation from the Governor General’s office says that Dr. MacDonald was appointed to the Order of Canada for “his leadership as a historian and scholar of Prince Edward Island, and for his mentorship of tomorrow’s heritage conservationists.”

UPEI honours 2023 Founders during a ceremony on December 15

The University of Prince Edward Island held its 22nd Recognition of Founders ceremony on Friday, December 15, 2023, in The McCain Foundation Learning Commons, Atlantic Veterinary College, to acknowledge those who have contributed to the University in a significant way.

Recognized as 2023 Founders during the ceremony were the late Merritt Crockett, founding University Librarian; the late Leo Cheverie, library technician and community advocate; and Betty Jeffery, Librarian Emerita. 

Robertson Library’s Crockett, Cheverie, and Jeffery to be recognized as 2023 Founders

UPEI honours its rich heritage and traditions by acknowledging members of the campus community who have contributed to its mission in an exceptional way by naming them “Founders,” an initiative established by President Emeritus Wade MacLauchlan in 2000.

This year, the University will honour three UPEI employees who worked at the Robertson Library. This is especially fitting as 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the conception and construction of the library, which was officially opened in 1975.

UPEI announces the Honourable Diane Griffin as Chancellor-Elect

The Honourable Diane Griffin, alumna, honorary degree recipient, and retired senator, has been unanimously elected as the 10th Chancellor of the University of Prince Edward Island for a four-year term. An installation ceremony will be held early in 2024.

The University Chancellor is a volunteer, titular role that presides over convocations and confers degrees, diplomas, and certificates.

UPEI names Dr. Preston Smith as the inaugural dean of the new medical school  

Dr. Preston Smith has been appointed inaugural dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Prince Edward Island for a five-year term, effective April 1, 2024. Originally from Summerside, PEI, Dr. Smith returns to Atlantic Canada, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to advancing medical education and research to benefit Prince Edward Island communities.