VP External says farewell after 12 years of phenomenal impact

Message from President Michael Benarroch:

It is with mixed feelings that I announce that John Kearsey, Vice-President (External) has decided to leave his position at the University of Manitoba and consider opportunities elsewhere. 

As you all know, John has been a tremendous contributor during his twelve years with us. I had the pleasure of working with him in my previous role at the I.H. Asper School of Business, and I never failed to be amazed by the energy and commitment he brought to advancement – at all times fueled by his enthusiasm for our university.

When I knew I was returning to the University of Manitoba, I was excited about the prospect of working with him again, this time focused on advancing our community of learning and discovery as a whole. I am appreciative of the time we have spent together in the past year and a half. Though it is with regret that I say farewell to him in this role, I am deeply grateful for the generational impact of his contributions to our university. I hope you will join with me in wishing John well, wherever his road takes him.

On behalf of the University of Manitoba community, I thank John for his incredible contributions to the advancement of our institution and know his leadership will be deeply missed. Information about interim measures will be shared in a future communication.

Sincerely,
Michael Benarroch

Message from John Kearsey:

Colleagues,

I’ve been reflecting on the past twelve wonderful years in my role as Vice-President (External) and thinking about what’s next for me professionally and personally. I’ve made the tough decision to leave my role and pursue other opportunities outside the province. While tough – because I honestly love this place – the time feels right at this age and stage of my career and life in general.

The External Relations team will continue its outstanding, award-winning work in philanthropy, alumni relations, marketing communications and government relations. It’s incredible thinking about the talent that has supported and continues to support advancing the University of Manitoba’s powerful work.

Thank you to President Benarroch for his incredible and thoughtful support. To get the chance to work with two different yet fantastic presidents during my time here is a gift. President Benarroch is the perfect leader to shepherd the University of Manitoba to the next best time in its almost 145-year history.

I’m curious and excited about what’s next for me – and you. We have all benefitted from the most fulfilling and meaningful experiences as part of this trailblazing, visionary and innovative institution. In our Trailblazer brand story, we said: “where you are shapes who you are and from here you can go anywhere.” Wherever I go, I’ll always be grateful for those in our UM community who have shaped me. Wherever I go, I will always include Manitoba as part of my definition of home.

Thank you and best wishes as we continue to move through challenging times, always keeping focused on advancing the academic, research and engagement mission of the University of Manitoba. When challenges collide with optimism, passion and commitment, the hopeful result can be new opportunities for innovation and creativity, exploration and discovery… and that’s what the University of Manitoba and Manitoba is all about.

Sincerely,
John Kearsey