KBRS is pleased to have assisted in the appointment of Dr. Sandy Vanderburgh as Vice-President, Academic at St. Mary’s University.

The following is an excerpt from their recent announcement issued February 10, 2023.

We are pleased to announce Dr. Sandy Vanderburgh’s appointment to the position of Vice-President, Academic at St. Mary’s University.

Dr. Vanderburgh is currently the Vice President Academic and Learner Services at Northern Lakes College in Slave Lake, Alberta. There, he has the overall responsibility for providing leadership, management, and strategic planning for a broad range of academic programming and student services. Prior to this, he was the Provost and Vice President Academic at Kwantlen Polytechnic University where he provided oversight for the academic portfolio—a responsibility that included 8 Faculties and Schools, the Teaching and Learning Commons, Continuing and Professional Studies, Library Services, Research and Innovation, and Graduate Studies. He is a highly experienced and strategic administrator who brings background in developing strategic academic plans, actively supporting Indigenization and EDI, and effectively managing operations. His strength as an academic developer and knowledge of the Alberta higher education context will add to the existing strengths of St. Mary’s.

“The committee was impressed by Dr. Vanderburgh’s background and the way he demonstrated a commitment to fostering positive campus culture, enhancing curriculum, and sharing knowledge, and meeting collective challenges. He showed us a deep understanding of the distinctiveness of St. Mary’s and its identity as a liberal arts institution in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. We are thrilled to welcome him to St. Mary’s,” said Dr. Sinda Vanderpool, President, and Vice Chancellor of St. Mary’s University.

Dr. Vanderburgh received his Ph.D. in Geography from Simon Fraser University and has widely published on the geomorphology of coastal systems. In addition, he has presented at conferences on developing field-based undergraduate earth sciences programs and has led field schools throughout North America. His interdisciplinary background, combined with his skill as an academic administrator, community advocate, and creative mindset will be a terrific asset to St. Mary’s.

“I am so excited to join St. Mary’s. I am a firm believer in collaborative leadership that empowers and motivates colleagues to excel. I know that together, we will build an incredible future for the institution that builds on our unique best qualities. I can’t wait to get home to Calgary and get to work,” said Dr. Vanderburgh upon his appointment. St. Mary’s thanks the search committee for its time spent working with KBRS Executive Search on this critical hire for our university.

Dr. Vanderburgh will begin his role as Vice-President, Academic starting on May 8, 2023.

Congratulations and welcome to St. Mary’s, Dr. Vanderburgh!