January 2021 leadership announcements

The University of Manitoba is pleased to announce the following dean, acting deans, and vice-provost appointments and extensions: 

Dr. Marcia Friesen
Dean, Price Faculty of Engineering 

A champion for the advancement of engineering through education and research, Dr. Marcia Friesen [BSc(AE)/95, MEd/03, PhD/09] has been named Dean of the Price Faculty of Engineering effective January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2025. She is the first female Dean of Engineering at UM. 

A thoughtful leader with a vision for the future, Dr. Friesen is committed to Indigenous achievement and dedicated to equity, diversity and inclusion.  

Dr. Friesen is a highly regarded faculty member and UM alumna. She will continue in her roles as associate professor in the Centre for Engineering Professional Practice and Engineering Education (CEP2E2) and Chair in Design Engineering for NSERC. Dr. Friesen previously served as associate dean (design education), Price Faculty of Engineering and director of CEP2E2. 

UM is proud to welcome Dr. Friesen to lead the Price Faculty of Engineering where she will continue to inspire future generations of engineers. 

Dr. Kelley Main
Acting Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies 

Dr. Kelley Main [MA/98], a highly accomplished administrator, professor, and researcher has been appointed Acting Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies effective January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. 

A steadfast and insightful UM faculty member and alumna, Dr. Main arrives at this new leadership role after serving as associate dean, social sciences and humanities, in the Faculty of Graduate Studies since 2019. Dr. Main, who brings with her more than 16 years of post-secondary leadership and academic experience, will also continue in her role as professor, marketing, at the I.H. Asper School of Business. 

Dr. Main, who received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Winnipeg, master’s degree from UM and PhD from UBC, is an engaged and effective leader. She frequently contributes to and oversees multiple committees and workshops that enhance the UM graduate student experience and the university as a whole.  

The university welcomes Dr. Main to this new leadership position. 

Dr. David Mandzuk
Acting Dean, Division of Extended Education 

Known across campus as a valued leader and meaningful collaborator, Dr. David Mandzuk [BEd/79; MEd/87; PhD/94] will continue to serve in his role as Acting Dean of the Division of Extended Education. His position has been extended to January 31, 2022. 

Dr. Mandzuk builds and maintains critical partnerships and initiatives that strengthens our ties to the community and is growing Extended Education non-credit programming locally, provincially and nationally. During his time at UM, Dr. Mandzuk has overseen the creation and development of a number of inspired learning spaces on campus, including the Indigenous Community Space and the currently-being-developed Education Learning Commons, both in the Faculty of Education. His initiatives have directly enriched the UM student experience. 

A long-time faculty member and UM alumnus, Dr. Mandzuk will continue in his role of professor, educational administration, foundations and psychology. He previously served as Dean of Education. 

The University of Manitoba congratulates Dr. Mandzuk on the extension of his role. 

Dr. Diane Hiebert-Murphy
Vice-Provost (Academic Affairs) 

A dedicated and knowledgeable administrator and mentor, Dr. Diane Hiebert-Murphy [BSW/82; MA/87; PhD/95] will continue in her role as Vice-Provost (Academic Affairs). Her term has been extended to June 30, 2022. 

Dr. Hiebert-Murphy has been instrumental in advancing equity, diversity and inclusivity at the University of Manitoba. She is currently the chair of the President’s Task Force on EDI. In her role, Dr. Hiebert-Murphy engages with UM senior leaders and provides direction and guidance on academic matters and supports academic administrative leadership development.  

A UM alumna, respected faculty member and clinical psychologist, Dr. Hiebert-Murphy will continue in her role as professor in the Faculty of Social Work and the Faculty of Arts’ Psychological Service Centre.  

The university is delighted Dr. Hiebert-Murphy will continue in this role.