Dr. Melanie Stewart appointed UBC’s new Vice-President, External Relations
This message was sent to executive, deans and other senior academic leaders, academic heads, directors and managers, and senior professional leaders in Vancouver and the Okanagan.
28 June, 2024
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Melanie Stewart has been appointed as UBC’s new Vice-President, External Relations, effective September 1, 2024.
Dr. Stewart currently holds the position of Associate Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education and Child Care, in the BC Provincial Government. She brings 17 years’ experience in the BC Public Service and has been a member of the corporate executive since 2011.
During this time she has held senior positions in the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, the Ministry of Children and Family Development, the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, the Public Service Agency, the Gender Equity Office (Ministry of Finance), and the Ministry of Education and Child Care.
Prior to joining the public service, Dr. Stewart taught political science and communications at York University in Toronto as well as the University of Victoria and Royal Roads University. She holds a PhD in Political Science from York University and a BA in Political Science from the University of Victoria.
As a member of the UBC Executive, the Vice-President, External Relations, is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the university's relationship with all levels of government, communications functions, broad-based engagement with external communities and campus planning functions to accomplish the vision, commitments, goals and actions as set out in UBC’s strategic plan.
I would like to thank the members of the Advisory Search Committee for their work and assistance in this important search process.
Let me also take this opportunity to thank Robin Ciceri, for her outstanding service over the past six years, and for her counsel and support during my transition to UBC. Robin remains in her position until August 31, 2024 and will help ensure a smooth leadership transition.
Please join me in thanking Robin for her leadership and in welcoming Melanie to her new role.
Benoit-Antoine Bacon
President and Vice-Chancellor
UBC Bulletin is used to inform and engage leadership at the university. Learn more
