Appointment of Associate Vice-President Global Engagement

Message from the President

I am thrilled to announce that Dr. A.R. (Elango) Elangovan has been appointed associate vice-president global engagement (AVPGE), effective September 1, 2022, for a five-year term.

Elango was appointed following an extensive international search that considered a strong field of candidates with diverse administrative and academic experience. I am confident that he is the best match for the role and will serve the university extremely well—a sentiment echoed by the search committee’s unanimous decision for his appointment. This is an exciting time for global engagement at UVic, and we are incredibly lucky to have Elango in this new role.

This appointment was conducted in accordance with the procedures for the Appointment of Non-Academic Associate Vice-Presidents (Policy GV0345). I would like to thank the members of the AVPGE search committee and its chair, Lisa Kalynchuk. In particular, I would like to thank the staff and faculty who participated in this process by providing important input into the development of this critical new position and valuable feedback following the candidate presentations.

As AVPGE, Elango will provide the strategic vision and executive leadership to enhance UVic’s global connectivity and international profile. He will be responsible for our institutional global strategy, the integration of global aspirations across all university plans, and the leadership of the Office of Global Engagement.

Elango will work with administrative and academic leaders across all units to support international and global engagement initiatives and priorities for the university. In addition to working across portfolios, he will play a leading role in engaging with UVic alumni, university partners, government, business, industry and professional groups linked to our strategic global interests and financial success. 

About Dr. A.R. Elangovan

Dr. Elangovan’s extensive administrative and leadership expertise and his deep knowledge of UVic were key in his selection as AVPGE. He is an expert in international partnerships, organizational growth and analysis, strategic planning, and collaboration—all skills and experience required for success in this new role.

Elango has a long and distinguished career at UVic. He has been a professor in the Gustavson School of Business (GSB) since 1992, where he has served as director of GSB International since 2003 and as associate dean from 2008 to 2011. His research in the areas of meaning in work, callings, wisdom, trust and conflict management has been published in the top management journals. His teaching focuses on organizational structure, managing people, authentic leadership and strategic negotiations. Elango was recognized as a 3M National Teaching Fellow in 2012, and in 2013 he was named a University of Victoria Distinguished Professor.

Elango has been instrumental in designing and delivering on the international aspirations and strategic goals of the business school, developing over 100 partnerships in 43 countries, and establishing the global standing of the business school.

Elango is a visionary leader whose passion for UVic’s global mission will inspire and propel the university to new heights. Please join me in congratulating Elango and welcoming him to his new role!

Sincerely,
Kevin

Kevin Hall, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor