1st Term: October 23, 2017 – September 30, 2022

2nd Term: October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2027

Asima Vezina joined the Algoma University leadership team as President and Vice-Chancellor for an initial five-year term on October 23, 2017, bringing more than 20 years of transformational leadership experience to the role. 

Reporting to the Board of Governors, Asima oversees the development and implementation of the institution’s Strategic Plan while advancing the University’s Special Mission to cultivate cross-cultural learning in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment. Asima’s leadership was further recognized in June of 2022 when the Board unanimously approved her reappointment for a second five-year term.

During President’s Vezina’s tenure, the University has experienced record enrolment growth, successfully introduced new academic programming, and an expanded research presence. The University has significantly expanded its presence in both Northern and Southern Ontario through the development of a new tri-campus operational model.  Algoma’s campus in the heart of downtown Brampton has grown exponentially under President Vezina’s leadership. 

Algoma University has been recognized as a leader within the post-secondary sector’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, as reinforced within Honouring our Commitment. In 2019, Asima co-chaired the Universities Canada  5th Annual National Building Reconciliation Forum – Working Together to Advance Healing & Reconciliation on the Shingwauk site in Sault Ste. Marie alongside Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, Nipissing University, Cape Breton University and the University of Northern British Columbia.  

As a dedicated advocate for student success, student voices, and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), Asima has worked tirelessly to integrate cross-cultural teaching within all aspects of Algoma’s operations. The University’s EDI efforts were publicly recognized in 2019 when it received the Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business Achievement Award – Diversity.

Additionally, as a champion for innovation and regional development, Asima has driven forward a range of strategic initiatives to expand the role the University plays as a driver of economic development and leader in social and cultural change within the communities of Brampton, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins. 

President’s Vezina’s tenacity is contagious; everything Asima does, she does with passion. Asima works tirelessly to build and strengthen bridges with stakeholders from the post-secondary, government, research, business and other sectors – locally, regionally, provincially, nationally and internationally. 

A selection of recent accolades acknowledging President Vezina’s impact as a leader include the following:

• 2022 Community Impact Award – Economic Development
• 2021 Athena Leadership Award for professional excellence and dedication to improving the quality of life for others in the community while assisting others, particularly women, in realizing their leadership potential 
• 2020 SSM Innovation Centre SSMARt Innovation Women in Leadership Award
• 2019 Chamber of Commerce President’s Award

Prior to joining Algoma University, Asima worked in various administrative roles including: approximately 15 years as a Superintendent of Education with the District School Board Ontario Northeast and Algoma District School Boards; and Provincial Lead for the Ministry of Education within the Student Achievement Division – Leadership and Implementation Branch.  Asima is an active volunteer sitting on various boards and committees locally, provincially and nationally.  

Asima grew up in the Algoma region of Northern Ontario and continues to live there today.  She completed her undergraduate studies at Lakehead University, her Master’s in Educational Leadership at Nipissing University and is currently completing a PhD in Leadership through the Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education at OISE, University of Toronto.

1st Term: September 1, 2020 – August 31, 2024

1st Term: July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2019

2nd Term: July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2022

3rd Term: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023

Dr. Michele Piercey-Normore joined Algoma University as the Vice-President, Academic and Research on May 1, 2022.

Dr. Piercey-Normore brings with her more than 20 years of research and teaching experience within the professorial ranks and 12 years of progressive administrative experience at two multi-campus universities, including the roles of Associate Dean and Associate Head with the University of Manitoba followed by, Dean of the School of Science and the Environment, Grenfell Campus, Memorial University.

In the role of VPAR, Michele is a member of the University’s senior executive team. She leads the academic and research functions of the University, supporting excellence in teaching and learning and excellence in faculty and student research. She continues to work closely with the Academic Dean and oversees the directors responsible for the Registrar’s Office, the Library, and Experiential Learning and International Affairs.

[email protected]

Mary Wabano-McKay brings over 20 years of experience in academic leadership to her role as Vice President, Nyaagaaniid – Anishinaabe Initiatives, Equity and Student Success; leading the development of institutional policies and processes to advance Indigenous education within the post-secondary sector. Joining Algoma University in January 2021 she will continue her steadfast work towards reshaping educational landscapes to fit the dynamic and ever changing needs of today’s post-secondary learners. With a strong focus in Indigenous  education, her experience spans mental health, justice, Indigenous studies, policy and administration as an advocate, analyst and director. Mary has developed and provided oversight of culturally appropriate student services, program quality assurance, curriculum development, program design and community partnerships and research involving Indigenous peoples. Working with Indigenous advisory councils, she continues to lead in Indigenous Education, Community Outreach, Student Success and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. 

Mary is devoted to the Decolonization and Reconciliation of Algoma University staff, faculty, students and the greater Indigenous community – working diligently to develop strong relationships between the university and various stakeholders in the community to continue the journey of healing.  Her lived experience as O’Mushkego Anishinaabe and first generation Residential School survivor guides her both personally and professionally. Her work is also guided by the Seven Grandfathers teachings ensuring that she approaches all aspects of her portfolio with Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth. Her approach to her work is  grounded in her understanding of our inherent connections to the earth and to one another.  

Mary holds a Bachelor of Social Work (Laurentian University) and Master of Social Work Degree (Carleton University) as well as designation as a Master Trainer for the Mental Health Commission of Canada in the MHFA First Nations program and Trainer for both MHFA Youth and MHFA First Nation programs. She also serves on the board of Actua, a national STEM charity. 

Craig joined Algoma University in 2019 and brings over 20 years of pertinent professional experience to this role. He joined Algoma University from Laurentian University where he was in several key executive roles focussed on administration, operations, community engagement, research partnerships, innovation and economic development. Before joining Laurentian, Craig spent over 12 years with the Ontario government. During his career as a public servant, he held a series of progressively senior leadership positions in various ministries, including Finance, Economic Development, Research, and Innovation. Craig has a Master’s degree in Local Economic Development and a Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, both from the University of Waterloo. He has also completed Executive programs at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and Ivey School of Business.

In the role of Vice President Growth, Innovation and External Relations, Craig is a member of the University’s Senior Executive Team. Craig is responsible for the University’s overall growth, innovation and external profile by providing leadership and direction in strategic enrollment management, recruitment, advancement, alumni affairs, innovation, strategic partnerships, government relations, public affairs, university communications and marketing strategies. The position also includes oversight of the Brampton campus operations and development.

Brooks holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hon) from McMaster University, an MBA from Laurentian University and in 2001 completed her Certified Professional Accountant (CPA-CGA) designation. She has also completed extensive leadership training and development programs throughout her career including the CFO leadership program at the Rotman School of Management (UofT). Brooks is an accomplished executive with over 22 years of experience in the post-secondary education sector. Not only is Brooks an exceptional leader, she is an avid triathlete, Ironman finisher and Multi-Sport World championship finisher. She is active as a volunteer with the Public Services Health and Safety Association and previously served as treasurer for the Toronto Triathlon Club.