Announcing three new leadership appointments

The University of Manitoba is pleased to announce three new leadership appointments: Dr. Michael Yellow Bird has been named Dean of the Faculty of Social Work, Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis has been named Dean of the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry and Ms. Lisa O’Hara has been named Vice-Provost (Libraries) and University Librarian.

Dr. Michael Yellow Bird
Dean, Faculty of Social Work

A celebrated Indigenous scholar in social work and Indigenous studies, Dr. Michael Yellow Bird has been appointed Dean of the Faculty of Social Work.

Dr. Yellow Bird brings his dedication to creating a new dialogue in decolonizing social work approaches, cultural rights and Indigenous peoples’ health. He is the former Director of the Tribal and Indigenous Peoples Studies Program at North Dakota State University.

Internationally recognized, he promotes meditation, traditional mindfulness and contemplative practices—known as neurodecolonization—and inspires people to create positive thinking patterns that challenge oppression. His scholarly work is shared in several books, articles, community scholarship, program evaluations and reports.

We welcome Dr. Yellow Bird, his collaborative spirit and his deep commitment to Indigenous success to the University of Manitoba.

Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis
Dean, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry

Prominent Winnipeg periodontist and alumna Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis [DMD/92, DipPerio/98] has been appointed Dean of the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry.

In her 26 years of teaching, the University of Manitoba dentistry alumna and faculty member has enhanced the student experience, and introduced innovative teaching methods and technologies. She inspires others with her deep commitment to patient care and community engagement.

A global leader in her field, Dr. Kelekis-Cholakis has helped the world better understand how to avoid and treat dental implant complications. She has participated in international clinical trials and mission trips in Zimbabwe and Uganda. Dr. Kelekis-Cholakis is founder of several organizations, including the Women’s Dental Network.

We are pleased to welcome this award-winning educator and accomplished researcher to her new leadership role in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.

Ms. Lisa O’Hara
Vice-Provost (Libraries) and University Librarian

An accomplished librarian and researcher, Ms. Lisa O’Hara has been appointed Vice-Provost (Libraries) and University Librarian.

Throughout her tenure at the University of Manitoba, Ms. O’Hara has helped merge the pursuit of knowledge with new technologies. She has transformed how information is discovered and accessed in print and digital formats, to the benefit of all faculty and students.

Ms. O’Hara has been key in implementing collaborative, technology-based projects such as a cloud-based library system, mobile self-checkout and reserve kiosks.

As Acting University Librarian, she piloted an Indigenous cultural competency training model, which will now be expanded across the library system.

We warmly welcome Ms. O’Hara in her new role, and look forward to her continued innovative work in our community.