MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dr. Vianne Timmons, President and Vice-Chancellor
Dr. Vianne Timmons PHOTO: Rich Blenkinsopp

IT’S BEEN A CHALLENGING YEAR, to say the least. A year full of transition and change – but also opportunity. Many of us may be thinking about our future and wondering just how it is going to look.

As the new president of Memorial, a question I am often asked is where do I see our university in the future. As the only university in Newfoundland and Labrador, we have a considerable impact on our people, our place, our culture and our economy. It’s not a question to be taken lightly. Universities should not reflect the world in which we live; rather, they should reflect the world in which we want to live.

Universities should not reflect the world in which we live; rather, they should reflect the world in which we want to live.
– Dr. Vianne Timmons

My report to the community for 2020 is titled Rising in the East because we are getting stronger, shining brighter and building a prosperous future. In the pages that follow, you will read about many of our exciting initiatives.

Memorial is found everywhere in this province, connecting and supporting each community. Student success is always our top priority, but we do so much more. We are a social, cultural and economic driver and a key partner for planning the future of Newfoundland and Labrador. We need to acknowledge that there is still work to be done and that the university plays an important role.

In order to chart the future, we must look to where we have been. We spent a significant portion of 2020 in consultations, for the Strategic Framework for Indigenization, the post-secondary education review, a new law school, campus beautification and our strategic plan – to develop future goals and priorities for our university. I look forward to sharing that plan with you, when it is complete.

There are so many exciting things happening within our university community and to answer the question above – I, for one, believe that our future will be bright. Enrolment numbers are up and our students, faculty and staff have been incredibly resilient in the face of so many challenges. Our Memorial community has come together to support them in many inspiring ways. Our students will grow to join you, as alumni, who are going to enrich our province and our world. There are many opportunities for Memorial and I am committed to working hard on behalf of your university.

 

DR. VIANNE TIMMONS

PRESIDENT AND VICE-CHANCELLOR