UNB appoints Dr. Kathy Wilson as acting president and vice chancellor
From the Springboard Content Lab
Springboard Atlantic welcomes Dr. Kathy Wilson as acting president and vice chancellor of our member institution, the University of New Brunswick. Dr. Wilson brings more than 30 years of leadership to this transitional role. A long-standing advocate for student success, innovation in teaching, and research excellence, Dr. Wilson’s appointment reinforces UNB’s commitment to collaboration, community impact, and advancing Atlantic Canada’s innovation ecosystem.
- Experienced Leadership: Dr. Kathy Wilson brings more than three decades of service at UNB, including senior academic and administrative roles.
- Focus on Students and Innovation: She has led major initiatives in student experience, curriculum modernization, and technology-enabled learning.
- Proven Crisis Leadership: Wilson played a key role in UNB’s response to COVID-19 and the expansion of online learning.
- Commitment to Inclusion: Her leadership emphasizes equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenization across the institution.
- Strong Industry & Community Ties: She highlights the importance of partnerships that support economic growth and innovation in New Brunswick and beyond
“We live in a rapidly changing world. UNB’s programs need to not only reflect today’s landscape but predict and adapt to an environment and workforce that may not currently exist. Support for research is equally essential.”
Dr. Kathy Wilson, UNB interim president and vice chancellor
Wilson’s leadership aligns with Atlantic Canada’s innovation agenda
Dr. Wilson has played a pivotal role in modernizing UNB’s academic environment, including:
- Advancing technology-enabled and flexible learning models
- Strengthening bi-campus collaboration
- Supporting research capacity and partnerships
- Enhancing systems that support students, faculty, and staff
Her emphasis on ensuring research is well-supported and connected to real-world impact resonates strongly with Springboard’s focus on industry-academic collaboration to solve pressing challenges.
Collaborative vision for UNB
Known for her collaborative and people-first leadership style, Dr. Wilson has brought together diverse stakeholders to achieve shared goals. In addition to this she has advanced student experience, academic planning, and inclusive excellence positions UNB.
As she steps into this role, she will focus on strengthening UNB’s foundation and preparing for a rapidly evolving future in education, research, and workforce development.
FAQs
Who is Dr. Kathy Wilson?
Dr. Kathy Wilson is the Acting President and Vice Chancellor of the University of New Brunswick, with over 30 years of experience at the institution in academic and leadership roles.
What are her key priorities as acting president?
Her priorities include advancing student success, strengthening research support, enhancing partnerships, and promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenization.
What impact will her leadership have on Atlantic Canada?
Her leadership is expected to strengthen UNB’s role in driving innovation, supporting economic growth, and building talent pipelines across the region.
How does this connect to Springboard Atlantic?
As a Springboard member, UNB plays a vital role in collaborative research and commercialization. Dr. Wilson’s focus on partnerships and applied research aligns directly with Springboard’s mission.
About Springboard Atlantic
Springboard Atlantic is a network of 19 post-secondary institutions across Atlantic Canada, working collaboratively to connect research expertise with industry to solve real-world challenges. Through partnerships with businesses, governments, and communities, Springboard accelerates innovation, supports commercialization, and drives economic growth across the region.