2010 SWAAC Conference Review: On April 30 Faculty of Extension greeted 150 academic administrators from universities, colleges and technical institutions across Canada
The University of Alberta hosted the 2010 Senior Women Academic Administrators of Canada (SWAAC) conference for the first time in Edmonton, Alberta. “Dare to Share: Transcending Boundaries in Leadership” was the theme for the two-day event which focused on women taking a collaborative approach to their leadership roles in Canada’s increasingly complex post-secondary environment.
Coordinated by the Faculty of Extension from April 30 to May 1 at the Westin in downtown Edmonton, the conference was a huge success with 150 delegates and speakers in attendance from universities, colleges and technical institutions across Canada. “It is wonderful that a group of motivated, innovative and effective female leaders can come together for a weekend and leave with a deepened understanding of transformative leadership and appreciation of each other.” said Dr. Katy Campbell, Conference Chair and Dean, Faculty of Extension. “We are living in a time where universities are undergoing perhaps the most profound transformation in their entire history.” said Indira Samarasekera, President of the University of Alberta. “Are we doing enough to cultivate, nurture and build leadership in academies, and what do we need to do in order to build the next generation of leaders?” President Samarasekera’s opening address set the tone for an insightful conference and led to discussions, debates and exploration of innovative, resilient, multidisciplinary and inclusive models of leadership and leadership transitions keeping in view the current challenges. The conference addressed issues of concern to women in academic administration, promoted female academic leadership in Canadian universities and colleges through developing and enhancing leadership skills, provided a forum for knowledge mobilization related to relevant research, offered mentoring opportunities for future leaders, and recognized exceptional leaders.
The premier sessions included keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, collaborative conversations and informed opinions about an increasingly complex post-secondary environment from the academic intelligentsia in the country. Keynote addresses from Senator Claudette Tardif, former Dean and VP External Relations, University of Alberta and Anne McLellan, former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada talked about their personal career advancement, the power of collaborative approach in leadership roles and the role of women in the academia. The Vice Presidents’ Panel included a unique roster of women from different universities across western Canada. The panelists dared to share their personal experiences and provided invaluable advice regarding the challenges, opportunities and rewards in an institutional vice-present role. They also shared their observations as women in a high-powered academic administration positions and described situations that have made them stronger, successful, and respected within their positions. The panel comprised of:
The Executive Search Panel offered discussions on what type of leaders are being sought, the preparation required to go through a selection process, and the importance of strategy to ensure success for the candidate, institute and the executive search firm. The panel comprised of:
Media relations panel highlighted the importance of understanding the needs of journalists and the media industry and using media as an appropriate tool to further the goals and vision of the organization. The panel comprised of:
Delegates also participated in creativity and mental toughness workshops which offered new perspectives on the intangible mental toughness factor needed to conquer challenges in our multi-faceted environment. Participants were made aware of the step by step “Courage to Win” mental toughness formula for peak performance and superior results. The conference climaxed with the SWAAC Graduate Award of Merit Gala where leadership was celebrated through graduate student research awards and faculty career awards. Kathleen Krause from the University of Alberta was among the four graduate students from universities across western Canada to win the award. Dr. Olive Yonge, Vice Provost, University of Alberta, won the 2010 Inaugural Recognition Award for her rich and meaningful contributions at an institutional, community and system level.The conference concluded with the SWAAC Annual General Meeting on May 1, 2010.
The premier sessions included keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, collaborative conversations and informed opinions about an increasingly complex post-secondary environment from the academic intelligentsia in the country. Keynote addresses from Senator Claudette Tardif, former Dean and VP External Relations, University of Alberta and Anne McLellan, former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada talked about their personal career advancement, the power of collaborative approach in leadership roles and the role of women in the academia. The Vice Presidents’ Panel included a unique roster of women from different universities across western Canada. The panelists dared to share their personal experiences and provided invaluable advice regarding the challenges, opportunities and rewards in an institutional vice-present role. They also shared their observations as women in a high-powered academic administration positions and described situations that have made them stronger, successful, and respected within their positions. The panel comprised of:
- Barbara Pollock, Vice- President External Relations, University of Regina
- Janet Paterson-Weir, Provost and Vice-President Academic, Grant MacEwan University
- Rose Goldstein, Vice- President Research, University of Calgary
- Nancy Walker, Vice-President Finance, University of Lethbridge
The Executive Search Panel offered discussions on what type of leaders are being sought, the preparation required to go through a selection process, and the importance of strategy to ensure success for the candidate, institute and the executive search firm. The panel comprised of:
- Maureen Geldart of The Geldart Group, Vancouver, BC
- Elizabeth Hurley of Davies and Park Edmonton , AB
- Sam Scully of Janet Wright & Associates Toronto, ON
- Janet Soles of Odgers Berndtson Calgary, AB
Media relations panel highlighted the importance of understanding the needs of journalists and the media industry and using media as an appropriate tool to further the goals and vision of the organization. The panel comprised of:
- Linda Hughes, Chancellor of the University of Alberta
- Debra Pozega Osburn, Vice President, External Relations, University of Alberta
- Anne Marie Downey, Downey and Norris Associates
Delegates also participated in creativity and mental toughness workshops which offered new perspectives on the intangible mental toughness factor needed to conquer challenges in our multi-faceted environment. Participants were made aware of the step by step “Courage to Win” mental toughness formula for peak performance and superior results. The conference climaxed with the SWAAC Graduate Award of Merit Gala where leadership was celebrated through graduate student research awards and faculty career awards. Kathleen Krause from the University of Alberta was among the four graduate students from universities across western Canada to win the award. Dr. Olive Yonge, Vice Provost, University of Alberta, won the 2010 Inaugural Recognition Award for her rich and meaningful contributions at an institutional, community and system level.The conference concluded with the SWAAC Annual General Meeting on May 1, 2010.
