Asima Vezina joined the Algoma University leadership team as President and Vice-Chancellor on October 23, 2017, bringing with her more than 20 years of leadership experience in education. Asima grew up in the Algoma region of Northern Ontario and continues to live there today.  She studied her undergraduate at Lakehead University, her Masters 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.  

Asima has 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.  

Reporting to the University’s Board of Governors, Asima has played a key role in prioritizing and implementing the strategic plan of the University while advancing their Special Mission.  Asima works to significantly build and strengthen bridges with post-secondary, government, research, business and other partners and stakeholders locally, regionally, provincially, nationally and internationally to enhance the student experience and expand faculty research, teaching and learning opportunities.  She is a huge advocate for student success and student voice and is well known for her strong relationships with students and student groups on campus.  She is a strong voice for equity, diversity and inclusion and in 2019 was proud to share that Algoma University had been recognized for their work in this area receiving the Outstanding Business Achievement Award – Diversity.

In 2019 Asima led the co-hosting of 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. The forum provided an important opportunity for Universities and educational organizations to highlight the work of Reconciliation across Canada.   

Since Asima joined Algoma University, the University has  experienced record growth, introduced new academic and research programs on all three expanding campuses, and in partnership with the communities engaged in new capital infrastructure including the renovation of Shingwauk Hall and a significant increase of the footprint on the Brampton Campus.  She is currently focused on the implementation of a new Campus Master Plan in Sault Ste Marie.  Asima was recognized for her leadership in 2019 where she was awarded the President’s Award by the Chamber of Commerce and in 2020 the SSMARt Innovation Award by the SSM Innovation Centre.

Staggered Terms of Appointment:

Start Term: September 1, 2020

Current status: 1st Term

Term Length: 4 years

Appointed/Reappointed: N/A

Renewal: N/A

End date: August 31, 2024

Staggered Terms of Appointment:

Start Term: October 6, 2016

Current status: OIC ends October, 31, 2020

Term Length: 3 years

Appointed/Reappointed: October 6, 2016 – 1st Term

November 1, 2017 – OIC appt 3 yrs

November 1, 2020 – 2nd Term

Renewal: November 1, 2020

End date: June 30, 2022

Dr. Donna M. Rogers joined Algoma University as Academic Dean in 2018, bringing over three decades of teaching, research and academic leadership experience, at the Pennsylvania State University, Middlebury College, Dalhousie University and Brescia University College. Donna holds an Honours B.A. (Latin and Spanish) from Waterloo, an M.A. (Spanish) from Western, and a Ph.D. (Hispanic Languages and Literatures) from Toronto.

In the role of VPAR, Donna 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.

Robert Battisti, CPA, CMA, joined Algoma University in July 2018 and holds a Bachelor of Accounting with Honors and a Master of Business Administration. Robert has over 25 years of finance and leadership experience. Robert brings experience in providing stewardship and advice to executives and other business partners, influencing corporate decisions and processes. He was also selected to participate in The Ivey Academy – Community Shift Program. Previously, Robert worked at Ontario Lottery and Gaming and Sault Area Hospital in senior leadership positions. Robert has experience working in various capacities on volunteer boards. He served as a member of Sault Ste. Marie Safe Communities, Kiwanis Community Theater Centre and is currently the Chair of the Sault Area Hospital Foundation. 

In the role of Vice President, Finance and Operations, Robert is a member of the University’s Senior Executive team.  Robert playleads, directs and develops the financial and operational strategies, analysis, forecasting and budget management of the University related to the organization’s finances, facilities, human resources, innovation and technology and ancillary services. His team performs long-term financial planning and analysis aimed at identifying risks, opportunities and options for attainment of the University’s mission. 

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.