Leslie Reid’s term as vice-provost (teaching and learning) extended

I am very pleased to let you know that Leslie Reid has accepted an extension of her role as vice-provost (teaching and learning) until Dec. 31, 2023.

Since taking on the role in 2017, first as interim vice-provost before being appointed in 2018, Dr. Reid has worked tirelessly to elevate the role of teaching and learning across the University of Calgary.

Dr. Reid has elevated teaching and learning across all our campuses to ensure educators have the tools and resources they need to expand their expertise, and students are important partners in their own educational journey. Under her leadership, the university has seen many important initiatives flourish, including the establishment of the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning as one of the leading centres in the country.

She has secured transformational gifts in teaching and learning that further UCalgary’s focus on teaching and learning for all members of the community: the Sinneave Foundation’s gift in 2022 will ensure neurodiverse students can thrive in work-integrated learning opportunities, and the Flanagan Foundation’s gift in 2020 continues to enrich our understanding of blended and online learning for the future.

Importantly, Dr. Reid’s leadership throughout the pandemic was vital to the continuation of teaching and learning at UCalgary, as the sudden transition to remote learning created uncertainty for educators and students. Through this time, the focus on resources and tools for educators demonstrates Dr. Reid’s deep commitment to teaching and learning at the university.

In addition to this foundational work, Dr. Reid has helped secure new teaching and learning technologies, like Yuja and Explorance; created an experiential learning plan to guide the university’s actions in future years; and brought academic leaders and students together to write the recommendation report on the Universal Students Ratings of Instruction (USRI), to substantially revise the dated course feedback system.

Dr. Reid began her career with UCalgary in 2003 in the department of geoscience and was associate dean, teaching and learning in the Faculty of Science from 2012 to 2017. She also held the Tamaratt Teaching Professorship from 2007-2012, the first of its kind focused on teaching and advancing the undergraduate learning experience in geoscience.

She has been awarded an Excellence in Educational Leadership Award from the University of Calgary, is a member of the Taylor Institute Teaching Academy and was a 3M National Teaching Fellow in 2011, the most prestigious teaching award in Canada. Dr. Reid holds a BSc (with honours, Geology) from the University of Ottawa, a MSc (structural geology), and a PhD from the University of Calgary. Dr. Reid is an accomplished leader and has made exceptional contributions during her tenure at the University of Calgary. And for anyone who knows her, she brings a bright spirit to any project she leads.

During this extension, Dr. Reid will be able to complete ongoing projects, including updating the university’s USRI process, and other key initiatives.

Please join me in thanking Dr. Reid for her continued efforts as vice-provost (teaching and learning).

Penny Werthner 
Interim Provost and Vice-President (Academic)