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University of Victoria

Office of the President

The President and Vice-Chancellor provides overall leadership to the university. It’s their responsibility to fulfill the university’s vision and mission. The president directs the operation of the university, including its academic work, business affairs and alumni relations. They also oversee government relations and engagement with the broader community.

President Kevin Hall

President Kevin Hall

Kevin Hall is the president of the University of Victoria. He has led the university since Nov. 2020 and was reappointed as President & Vice-Chancellor for a second five-year term beginning Nov. 2025. 

During his first term, Hall led the university through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the impacts of international conflicts on our campus, navigating a changing international enrolment landscape and more. He also spearheaded the renewal of the university’s strategic plan, the creation of the Vice-President Indigenous position, and global engagement efforts—all of this in the continued pursuit of the university’s collective goals. 

Read about Hall's reappointment

"The university and the broader sector are facing increasingly complex challenges, both internally and in wider political and community contexts. To address these challenges effectively, I must balance my efforts to champion and advocate for UVic externally, with a renewed focus on the needs of our internal community."

"I am keenly aware that our success has always stemmed from the dedication, innovation and collaboration of every member of our community—students, faculty, staff and alumni. I am excited about the journey ahead and look forward to working with the UVic community to make our vision a reality.”

Kevin Hall
About Hall's second-term priorities About UVic's former presidents

Welcome to the Territory & Installation Ceremony

Following Coast Salish protocol, President Hall formally requested permission to work on lək̓ʷəŋən territory prior to being installed as UVic’s eighth president and vice-chancellor at a ceremony hosted by Chancellor Shelagh Rogers and the Office of Indigenous Academic & Community Engagement. The ceremony was shared on September 28, 2021.

Associate VP Global Engagement

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

The AVPGE reports to the president and provides leadership for the Office of Global Engagement. They provide the strategic vision and executive leadership to enhance UVic’s global connectivity and international profile. The AVPGE is responsible for our institutional global strategy and the integration of global aspirations across all university plans. 

About UVic's international initiatives

About the office

Our role 

The Office of the President supports the university’s collective vision and priorities by facilitating collaborative action and providing strategic direction.

We work in services of our on-campus community of students, staff and faculty; the campus Indigenous community; and the executive offices and governance bodies. We engage with the broader off-campus community including Indigenous Nations; local and regional communities and organizations; governments and funding organizations; alumni and donors.

Our priorities include:

  • Supporting the president and executive to achieve institutional goals
  • Being a catalyst for new ideas and opportunities
  • Responding to critical institutional issues
  • Coordinating and facilitating institutional plans and cross functional activities
  • Providing direction and approvals on topics of institutional importance
  • Fulfilling governance responsibilities (board, senate, policy)
  • Positioning the president as a spokesperson for the university
  • Recognizing and celebrating the achievements of students, staff, faculty and alumni
  • Responding to queries, complaints and suggestions

As a team of committed professionals, we strive to be welcoming and inclusive, and are dedicated to being flexible, generous, collaborative and open to other perspectives.

Our team

Photo of Christina Harris standing in front of blurry cedar trees. She is a white woman with curly brown hair, wearing a red shirt and an colourful scarf.

Christina Harris

As Executive Director of the Office of the President, I lead the president's team, provide strategic advice to President Hall, and work with my colleagues across campus to implement UVic's institutional priorities,  support priority initiatives, and respond to critical issues.

Tamsin Kaneen

As Manager, Operations & Governance, I manage the president's team and office, support institutional leadership and presidential committees, and manage strategic projects, priorities and policies.

James Pepler
jamesp

As Senior Project & Engagement Advisor, I provide project management, engagement strategy and planning, and communications and writing support for the president and major institutional initiatives.

Leanna Wong
leannaw

As the Executive Coordinator to the president, I provide executive and administrative support to President Hall and coordinate his activities, including managing his calendar, arrangements and briefing materials. 

Julie Carrington

The Administrative Coordinator provides calendaring and administrative support for the Executive Director and support through the preparation of presidential correspondence and materials, coordination of presidential committees, events, and meetings, and the provision of financial accounting support.

Presidential communications

Activity Updates

This section is updated often and reflects the activity of the President, the Office of the President, and items important to the institution. This is not an exhaustive list, simply a way to highlight UVic activities.

March - May 2025

DAYS OF SIGNIFICANCE

  • March 8th was International Women’s Day. Our communications teams did an amazing job promoting and recognizing the stories and achievements of women across campus and beyond.
  • March 21st was the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Everyone is encouraged to review our Equity Action Plan, or the Indigenous Plan, and commit to actions and teachings that foster change therein.

IMPACT WEEK

  • UVic’s Impact Week is a celebration of the impact of generosity and kindness on campus, with a focus on donors and their generosity.
  • It’s a week that also helps teach students about the different ways gifts affect their experience at UVic and gives them the chance to say thank you at the annual thank-a-thon.

MOVING TRANS HISTORY FORWARD 2025

  • In late March UVic is hosted the sixth biannual Moving Trans History Forward Conference, and I was honoured to speak at the Opening Reception.
  • The conference was full of amazing conversations, teaching, cross-pollination and exploration.
  • I hope that the conference offered a chance for the campus community to grow together and revel in all that the Trans+ community has accomplished and will accomplish moving forward.

MAJOR FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT

  • Oceans Network Canada welcomed a $24M investment over six years through the Government of Canada’s New Frontiers in Research Fund.
  • This investment will advance the Solid Carbon research project, an ocean-based carbon dioxide removal initiative. Learn more about this incredible project on our website.
  • A big thank you to Lisa Kalynchuk, VP Research and Innovation, and her team for enabling such an important project and helping to combat climate crisis.

BREAKTHROUGH PRIZE IN FUNDAMENTAL PHYSICS

  • Scientists from the University of Victoria are among global researchers honoured with the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics for their work with the ATLAS Collaboration at CERN, an intergovernmental organization that operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world—the Large Hadron Collider. ATLAS is a multi-technology particle detector, and one of the largest and most complex scientific instruments ever built.

INSTITUTIONAL PLANS

  • The first reporting cycles for the Equity Action Plan and the Indigenous Plan are now complete. It will be very exciting to hear about the work departments and units are doing through the guidance of these plans, so that we can learn from, and mirror these activities. Thank you to all who participated in the review process.

FEDERAL ELECTION RESULTS

  • Mark Carney’s Liberals have won the Federal Election. A change in government will always produce new opportunities and challenges for UVic. Here are a few quick points that matter for us:
  • Will Greaves, Political Science professor at UVic, won in the Victoria riding.
  • UVic’s strengths in clean energy, climate, economic resilience, and Indigenous reconciliation are highly relevant for the new government.
  • We welcome the Liberals’ emphasis on university-led research which could lead to greater opportunities for UVic researchers.
  • Affordability, housing, and jobs directly affecting UVic students and the broader university community position UVic as a key interest-holder in these discussions.
  • With nearly one third of MPs new to Parliament, UVic has opportunities to build new relationships on national issues.

AWARDS UPDATE

  • Dennis Hore from Chemistry and Bruce Wallace from Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, have won the Confederation of University Faculty Associations of BC Ehor Boyanowsky Academic of the Year Award.
  • David Leitch from Chemistry has been awarded a prestigious Dorothy Killam Fellowship from the National Research Council Canada.
  • Stephanie Erickson, from English and Indigenous Studies, and Jenise Finlay, from Nursing: Public & Population Health, have been selected as 2025 Foundation Scholars on behalf of the Pierre Elliotte Trudeau Foundation.
  • Jess Speedie, an Astronomy PhD candidate, has been awarded a prestigious post-doctoral fellowship – she will receive $450,000 over three years at MIT.

 Past Presidential Activity Updates

January - February 2025

NEW FACULTY OF HEALTH DEAN

  • The University of Victoria has appointed Tammy Hopper as the inaugural dean of its new Faculty of Health for a five-year term beginning May 1.
  • Hopper, a speech-language therapist and professor, is currently dean of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta.
  • She brings extensive experience in program development, interdisciplinary research, and clinical education.
  • She is known for her leadership skills, work with complex governance structures, and ­fundraising and advocacy.

UNITED WAY EVENTS

  • On January 16th the United Way Committee presented their annual Pub Quiz to a sold-out room in the Grad House.
  • On February 13th UVic hosted it’s annual United Way Plasma Car Race. Thousands of dollars were raised for a great cause, and it’s always a delight seeing grown adults navigate a race track riding toy cars made for children.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

  • February was Black History Month in Canada, and here at UVic we strive to recognize the many achievements of Black faculty, staff and students. We also acknowledge that there is much more work to be done to support racial equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.
  • Through the fantastic work of groups like UVic’s Scarborough Charter steering committee, The Faculty Associations’ BPOC Caucus, and the BC Black History Awareness Society, momentum is being built for the celebration Black inclusion, joy and achievements in the UVic community.

WEST SHORE CAMPUS

  • Announced earlier this year, UVic will be offering courses at West Shore Campus, in partnership with Royal Roads University and Camosun College.
  • It will offer a specialized curriculum focused on core courses in computer science, software engineering, and data science.
  • This collaborative campus is a new and promising model of delivering programming that meets community demand and serves the needs of West Shore students and the region.

VISIT OF GOVERNOR GENERAL

  • Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada visited UVic.
  • There was a panel discussion with Ry Moran, Carey Newman, Adrea Walsh, and John Borrows that was full of great stories, experiences and insights.
  • Thanks to all those who worked to make this event happen and to the elders, dignitaries, and guests who joined. It was a very special event that can be viewed here if you missed it.

VIKES UPDATE

  • Men’s basketball head coach, Murphy Burnatowski, has been named the Canada West Coach of the Year, and 5th-year guard Sam Maillet has been named the Canada West Defensive Player of the Year. 
  • Women's rower Sai Sai Faubert was named the Victoria Sports Award University Athlete of the Year, women's rowing head coach, Jane Gumley, received Coach of the Year honours, and Vikes rowing alumna, Avalon Wasteneys and Caileigh Filmer, were named co-Athlete of the Year for their Olympic bronze medal performance. 

AWARDS UPDATE

  • Shaeleen Mihalynuk, UVic microbiology alumna, was named BC’s Rhodes Scholar for 2025. Her research focused on the fight against antimicrobial resistance and identifying alternatives to antibiotics through the PeptAID project. She is UVic’s 13th Rhodes Scholar.
  • Michael Prince, Acting Dean of HSD, was appointment to the Order of Canada. Prince was recognized for his work as a social and public policy expert who has made significant contributions to disability rights in Canada.
  • Ryan Rhodes, professor in the department of Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education, received the King Charles III Medal – a Canadian honour that recognizes those who have made a significant contribution to Canada, a particular province, territory or region, or abroad.
  • Xuebin Zhang, director of the Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium, is being inducted as a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society.
  • Julia Baum, professor in the department of Biology, is the 48th recipient of the Rosenstiel Award from the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science of the University of Miami.

NOTABLE EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT

  • Attended and presented at the Presidents Post Secondary Roundtable
  • Attended and presented at The Future of Canada-China Relations event
  • Met with several institutions, universities, and leaders in Australia

PASSING OF GEORGE SMYTH

  • In December we heard of the passing of George Smyth, a Victoria-based philanthropists and passionate collector of Coast Salish art.
  • They have always been such incredible donors to UVic, particularly with collections of artworks from emerging and renowned Indigenous artists.
  • At UVic, they sponsored the Visiting Artist Program in Anthropology and Summer Institute in Indigenous Education, as well as the Salish Weave School Program.
  • They have endowed the Smyth Chair in Arts and Engagement at UVic.

5 DAYS OF ACTION

  • November 4th to 8th UVic hosted our annual Five Days of Action program. This week-long free event is aimed at amplifying the work groups, units, and organizations that are working to create a more diverse, inclusive and equitable campus and community throughout the year. 
  • There were lectures, art installations, drop-in events, workshops, and the 5 Days of Action Hub in front of the Petch Fountain that offered more information on the week and how we can improve the sense of inclusion and belonging in our greater community.
  • This is an important time of year to look inward and reflect on our own biases and power, then outward to acknowledge the impact of our decision and actions, and finally to strive to make changes that enhance equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging for our campus community. 
  • I want to offer a big thank you to the Office of EQHR and all the volunteers for their work on making this event a continued success.

GAMECHANGERS

  • GameChangers is a President’s Speaker Series that introduces our dynamic and innovative new scholars, researchers, and leaders to the UVic community.
  • On November 28th we hosted Dr. Heather Igloliorte, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Decolonial and Transformational Indigenous Art Practices.
  • The session was an informal conversation about mentorship in the arts, game-changing research that supports emerging Indigenous talent, creating the conditions for researchers to work with Indigenous students, and full of stories about Heather’s life and beyond.
  • If you were unable to attend, you can watch the recording on the President’s event webpage.

CAMPUS KUDOS

  • On November 28th we held our Campus Kudos event which celebrates and acknowledges the achievements and accomplishments of our talented and hard-working faculty, staff and students.
  • This was our 9th session of this very popular engagement series with some notable kudos going to folks who worked on Thunderfest, the Free-to-borrow Reusable cup program, to those expanding accessibility through web content, and so much more.
  • You can learn more about this event series and how to nominate for future sessions on our Campus Kudos website.

VIKES UPDATE

  • The women's field hockey team won their sixth-straight U SPORTS national championship banner, while the women's rowing team won their third consecutive Canadian University Rowing Championship title.
  • Women's rowing head coach Jane Gumley earned Canadian University Rowing Female Coach of the Year for the fourth straight year, and all four years she's been the head coach. 

AWARDS UPDATE

  • Susan Corner is this year’s recipient of the National Academic Advising Association's prestigious Charlie Nutt Global Advising Award for Excellence. Susan also received UKAT-LVSA (United Kingdom and Netherlands advising associations) Charlie Nutt Award for Promoting and Supporting International Collaboration in Academic Advising in April 2024. The NACADA award is in honour of Susan’s extensive career and her commitment to the profession of Academic Advising.
  • Kathryn Mockler (Writing) was named the winner of the City of Victoria Butler Book Prize. She won the prize for her new story collection called Anecdotes.
  • Basma Majerbi (Business) was named a Canada Clean50 award winner for 2025. This prestigious award celebrates visionary leaders across Canada who have made significant strides in advancing sustainability and climate action.
  • Mark Lewis (Math and Stats) won the 2025 Okubo Prize from the Society for Mathematical Biology and the Japanese Society for Mathematical Biology. The Akira Okubo Prize, awarded every four years, recognizes outstanding contributions to Mathematical Biology.

GIVING TUESDAY

  • Giving Tuesday took place on December 3rd. The celebration of philanthropy brings together our entire campus community to participate in events and donate to amazing programs.
  • After the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is a great reminder that giving back plays an important role during this season.
  • Over a quarter of a million dollars were raised. Thank you to all who contributed to this magnificent act of generosity. 

Select public statements & announcements

Social media

Follow President Hall on LinkedIn

Activities & events

President's town halls

President Hall holds town halls periodically to engage with members of the university community. Town halls are recorded for those who aren't able to attend.

Speakers series 

GameChangers is a new President’s Speakers Series focussed on introducing our dynamic and innovative new researchers and leaders to the UVic community.

Recognition

Campus Kudos in a series of informal events hosted by President Hall to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements and accomplishments of our talented and hard-working staff, faculty and students.

  • The next Campus Kudos will be held in fall 2022 and this event is closed for nominations. 
  • Nominations may be submitted at any time and are being accepted for Spring 2023.

Listening tour

President Hall began his role as president of the University of Victoria in November 2020 with a President's Listening Tour. He spent months meeting with our community to listen and learn about our university, about our strengths and about what is important to our community. 

Accountability

DISTINCTLY UVIC | A Strategy for the University of Victoria

Effective September 2023, UVic's Strategic Plan urges us to be creative, innovative, collaborative and compassionate and brilliant—not on our own, but together. The plan articulates the strengths and priorities that make UVic distinct and guides us towards building a better tomorrow.

University plans

Our university plans guide our work with strategic operational targets and direction.

BC Government 

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Contact us

Office of the President