Extension of appointment of Dr. Lesley Cormack as Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, UBC Okanagan

Please note: this message was issued to UBC Vancouver. Read the UBC Okanagan message here.

Image

I am pleased to announce the extension of appointment of Dr. Lesley Cormack as Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, UBC Okanagan, for a second five-year term, starting July 1, 2025.

Dr. Cormack has served as Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor since July 1, 2020. During her tenure, she has distinguished herself through her inclusive leadership, clear vision, and deep affection for the Okanagan campus. Notable accomplishments include advancing all aspects of the 20-year academic vision, Outlook 2040, which was developed with input from the Okanagan campus community. At the broader UBC system level, she played a crucial role as the lead executive sponsor for the Integrated Renewal Program – Student, contributed significantly to system budget initiatives, and co-led two major cybersecurity projects.

Dr. Cormack’s work has been deeply rooted in fostering strong relationships with Indigenous groups, including renewing the campus’ foundational memorandum of understanding with the Syilx Okanagan Nation. Also, through advancement of UBC Okanagan’s Truth and Reconciliation commitments, among the most significant achievements during her first term was the creation of the Bachelor of Nsyilxcn Language Fluency, the first bachelor’s degree in Indigenous language fluency in Canada. In addition, she has worked closely with government leaders, particularly on initiatives related to health and climate resiliency, and her efforts with donors and partners have exceeded expectations.

Her first term was marked by unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, devastating wildfires resulting in the evacuation of the Okanagan campus, and the recent nationwide decline in international student enrolment. Despite these obstacles, UBC Okanagan has earned broad recognition for its efforts to expand research, deepen community engagement, enhance internationalization, and deliver exceptional educational experiences across diverse disciplines.

I would like to express my thanks to the members of the Advisory Appointment Extension Committee for their valuable work in this important process.

We look forward to Dr. Cormack’s second term, as she continues to strengthen UBC Okanagan’s position and contribute to UBC’s overall strategic direction. Please join me in congratulating her on this well-deserved extension.
 

Benoit-Antoine Bacon
President and Vice-Chancellor