St. Mary’s University has embarked on the search for its 5th President & Vice-Chancellor, who will lead the institution into an exciting new chapter guided by our strategic plan, Expanding Minds, Inspiring Hearts.
As Calgary’s Catholic university, St. Mary’s is uniquely positioned as a centre of academic excellence, distinguished by small class sizes, a vibrant and inclusive community, and a strong commitment to service and the common good. Our next President will embrace and advance our mission of forming engaged citizens and inspired leaders who contribute meaningfully to the Church, to society, and to the world.
The Presidential Selection Committee, established by the Board of Governors, will undertake a comprehensive process to identify a leader who embodies our Catholic identity, champions academic excellence, and inspires growth in alignment with our four strategic pillars:
- People First – cultivating a community where students, faculty, and staff thrive.
- Academic Excellence – enhancing teaching, research, and learning rooted in the liberal arts and Catholic intellectual tradition.
- Celebrating Our Identity – strengthening our role as Canada’s preeminent Catholic university in the West.
- Building for Growth – expanding our reach, resources, and impact to ensure a strong and sustainable future.
Throughout this process, St. Mary’s University is committed to openness, integrity, and engagement with our community. The Presidential Search website will provide regular updates and opportunities for input as we move forward together.
Search Process
The Presidential Search Process is led by a Presidential Selection Committee and governed by the Policy on Presidential Selection. DHR Global is the executive search firm managing the consultation, communication, and candidate applications. At the conclusion of interviews of select candidates, the Committee will make a recommendation to the Board of Governors for approval.
Selection Committee Members
Mr. Gary Strother, Chair
Mr. Paul Valentine, Vice-Chair
Dr. Bonnie Annicchiarico, Chancellor’s Designate
Dr. Peter Baltutis, Faculty Representative
Mr. Nathan Ruff, Administrative Staff Representative
Mr. Pascal Apuwa, Student Representative
Mrs. Christine McIver, Member-at-Large
Resources: Athena Pulzoni (AVP Human Resources) and Robyn Pashula (Governance & Executive Initiatives Officer)
Governing Policy
Timeline (subject to change)
Phase 1 | October/November 2025: Consultation with perspective-holders (Board Members, Direct Reports, Staff, Faculty, Students, Alumni, Donors, Community Members)
Phase 2 | November/December 2025: Candidate Profile made available
Phase 3 | February/March 2026: Interviews of selected candidates
Phase 4 | April 2026: Candidate Recommendation to the Board of Governors for Appointment
Phase 5 | May 2026: Announcement of Appointed President & Vice Chancellor
Search Firm
DHR Global is a leading, privately-held provider of executive search, leadership consulting, and emerging leader search solutions in more than 60 markets spanning 22 countries. Having placed many of the post-secondary leaders in Calgary and surrounding areas, St. Mary’s is proud to be partnering with such relationship-driven experts for its next leader.
Community Consultation Survey
Please share your confidential answers with DHR Global for the purpose of helping to inform the candidate profile. Open to all.
Role of President & Vice-Chancellor
The President & Vice-Chancellor is the administrative head of the University. Details on the role can be found in the documents below. The candidate profile will be made available following the community consultation process.