I am delighted to announce that Dr. Catherine Swindlehurst will be Athabasca University’s provost and vice-president academic, effective April 14, 2025.
Dr. Swindlehurst, chief growth officer at AU since October 2023, brings a notably rich depth and wide variety of university leadership experience to this pivotal and complex role. She is the right person to lead collaborative work not only with our faculties but also across the university, and within the Athabasca region, as AU seeks to make its highest contributions in teaching, research, and community impact under a new academic plan and the Like No Other strategic plan.
Dr. Swindlehurst’s commitment to aspirational leadership and growth reflects her deep dedication to fully realizing AU’s unique online and open mission to improve more learners’ lives and to work collaboratively to support the fullest realization of AU’s highest contribution.
With a PhD in social and economic history from the University of Cambridge, Dr. Swindlehurst brings to this key role remarkable versality and strategic acumen: over 18 years of senior central academic leadership experience in Alberta across presidential, provost and research portfolios, university relations, sustainable growth, and institutional strategy.
During her time at AU, Dr. Swindlehurst has been a passionate and effective advocate for collaborative and strategic work with team members across AU to increase our impact on learners, with the Athabasca region, and with government.
I am very grateful to each of the 12 members of the search committee—faculty members, board members, and students—for their efforts during the international search process, which resulted in a unanimous recommendation.
I am thankful to AU’s inaugural provost—Dr. Matt Prineas—for all his efforts and contributions, and I look forward to welcoming Dr. Swindlehurst to this vital role.
Please join me in congratulating Dr. Swindlehurst on her appointment.
Sincerely,
Dr. Alex Clark
President, Athabasca University