Dr. Lloyd Axworthy
WINNIPEG, MB–With a campus renaissance well under way, The University of Winnipeg is resetting its focus. Facing budgetary challenges and increasing global competition driven by accessible online course delivery, UWinnipeg will concentrate on innovative academic development, administrative streamlining and efficiency, increasing and integrating student services, and taking an entrepreneurial approach to funding. These priorities will set UWinnipeg’s direction for the next three to four years, and were among the themes discussed by Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor, UWinnipeg at his State of the University address on Friday, September 7, 2012.
During the address, Dr. Axworthy expressed his confidence in the institution’s capacity for creative change, noting its long history of adaptation and resilience. He also highlighted UWinnipeg’s success in removing barriers to education and dissolving the line between campus and community, citing a number of initiatives — including The Opportunity Fund, UWinnipeg’s Model School, and its Tuition Waiver Program — that support learners from under-represented populations, including Indigenous, new Canadian, and inner-city youth.
Dr. Axworthy also drew attention to a number of key institutional activities, including:
• the excellent work of UWinnipeg’s five Canada Research Chairs
• launch of a $10 to $15 million Future Fund to specifically support academic units and innovation
• building up health, healing and wellness services and programs on campus to establish a hub of healthy living, sustainability and recreation for campus faculty, staff, students and the community
• construction of the future UNITED Health & RecPlex, which will be the largest and most comprehensive athletic, health, wellness and healing facility ever built in the centre of the city
• creation of a President’s Task Force on Academic Development to offer support and encourage innovation, special projects and faculty research.
Referring to UWinnipeg as “a paradox that works”, Dr. Axworthy described The University of Winnipeg’s ability to balance experience and tradition with innovation: “This combination of qualities…grants us the flexibility to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and adapt to change while maintaining core values and intellectual integrity.”
