Leadership announcements May 2024
The University of Manitoba is pleased to announce the following leadership re-appointment and extensions:
Laurie M. Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students)
Laurie Schnarr will continue to advance the University of Manitoba’s commitment to delivering an outstanding experience for our students. She has been reappointed to a second term as Vice-Provost (Students), from June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2029.
Since joining the UM in 2019, Schnarr has provided passionate and skilled leadership to Student Affairs, a team of approximately 350 staff in three departments: Office of the Registrar and Enrolment Services, Student Engagement and Success, and Student Support. Her dedication to creating an environment where students can achieve their highest potential has informed her involvement in many institution-wide priorities, such as advancing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access (EDIA), UM’s ongoing commitment to Reconciliation, increasing Sexual Violence education and resources, and building comprehensive and holistic mental health and well-being supports.
Her responsive, student-centered approach has resulted in increased regular and efficient communication with the student body to ensure information and supports are known. This was particularly important during the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic and remote learning, when Schnarr mobilized the Student Affairs team to find innovative ways to reach students in a challenging and isolating time. This included the launch of UM Commons, an information hub for first-year students and supporting student online needs through the UM Technology Support Program.
Other significant developments within Student Affairs during Schnarr’s tenure include opening the Spiritual Care and Multi-Faith Centre, which recently expanded to introduce a prayer space on the Bannatyne campus, introducing the Grow Your Community Fund to support student-led community building for marginalized groups on campus, working with the Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning to expand experiential learning opportunities, and launching the New Aurora.
“I would like to congratulate Ms. Schnarr on her re-appointment. Our students are well served under Laurie’s leadership and I look forward to continuing to work with her in the promotion of student retention, engagement and academic success.” says Diane Hiebert-Murphy, Provost and Vice-President (Academic).
The University of Manitoba congratulates Laurie Schnarr on her re-appointment as Vice-Provost (Students).
Lisa O’Hara, Vice-Provost (Libraries) and University Librarian
UM has approved the extension of Lisa O’Hara as Vice-Provost (Libraries) and University Librarian from June 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025.
As Vice-Provost (Libraries), O’Hara has helped transform how information is discovered and accessed at UM. Her leadership in several large-scale technology projects, such as a cloud-based library system, mobile self-checkout and reserve kiosks, has improved services for faculty and students. She co-led the development of UM’s Research Data Management Strategy and has promoted and expanded open access and scholarship at the UM, including launching the Advance Open Ed project that funds the creation of OER (open education resources).
Throughout her tenure, O’Hara has helped advance Reconciliation through working with Indigenous librarians and staff in the implementation of an Indigenous Cultural Competency Training program for all library staff, as well as creating an Indigenous Librarian Internship program to support Indigenous librarianship in Manitoba.
O’Hara’s dedication to innovation in rapidly changing information environment has been a great benefit to the University. UM thanks Lisa O’Hara for her continued service and leadership.
Douglas Brown, Dean, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
UM has approved the extension of Douglas Brown as Dean, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management (FKRM) to June 30, 2026.
Brown is highly regarded as a visionary leader and meaningful collaborator. In 2015, Brown oversaw the opening of UM’s state-of-the-art athletic facility, the Active Living Centre, and has continued to guide the faculty to new growth and development. His steady leadership was critical to the development of reopening strategies for Bison Sports, Recreation Service, and Mini U Programs during the pandemic. Throughout his tenure Brown has served on many campus-wide collegial governance committees, most recently a member of the Board of Governors.
Brown is an accomplished cultural historian known for his work on the origins of the modern Olympic Games and Canada’s winter sporting heritage. As dean, he has championed Indigenous initiatives such as the SPARC Certificate Program and the installation of an Indigenous mural at the Active Living Centre.
The University of Manitoba is honoured to have Douglas Brown continue his leadership as dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management.