i n s t a l l at i o n o f t h e p r e s i d e n t
“We will become a destination university—a university of choice for Islanders, and people around the world. I am committed to making this happen!” the insta llation of
Alaa Salem Abd-El-Aziz BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD
as the sixth president a n d v ice-ch a nce l lor of
The University of Prince Edward Island
O
n July 4, the UPEI campus welcomed Dr. Alaa S. Abd-ElAziz as UPEI’s sixth president and vice-chancellor. His formal installation ceremony, held on September 24, was attended by more than 300 people. In an interview during his first day on campus, President Abd-El-Aziz’ enthusiasm for his new position was almost palpable. “I am delighted to become part of the UPEI family,” he said. “I have always had a high regard for institutions of higher education that cultivate an integrated teaching and research environment, and those that are strongly tied to both the local and the global communities. UPEI is an institution that excels in these areas.” An accomplished chemistry researcher, award-winning teacher, and experienced administrator, President AbdEl-Aziz comes to UPEI from the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus in Kelowna. As its first provost, he led UBC Kelowna’s policy development and resource management for four years while making significant contributions to research in his field of polymer chemistry, and being actively engaged in teaching. At UPEI, his top priorities have been to learn about, and embrace, the culture of the University and the PEI
community. He recently conducted three town hall meetings on campus to seek input from faculty, students, staff, and the public to help define short- and long-term goals for the University. “I want my vision to be aligned with everybody else’s vision,” he said, “I believe it is important to listen to people, to value new ideas, and to be open to change.” President Abd-El-Aziz has also travelled across the province attending functions and events, and meeting with representatives of the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. “I would like every part of the Island to realize that this university is their university,” he said. The president intends to remain actively engaged in teaching, most likely in an advisory capacity for senior or graduate students and as a guest lecturer in his field. “The student experience has always been at the heart of my academic work. After all, students are the reason why we are all here,” he said. “I am strongly committed to supporting an exceptional learning and working environment for all members of the campus community.” Dr. Abd-El-Aziz is married to Valerie Abd-El-Aziz (BSN, RN) from Swift Current, Saskatchewan. They have purchased a home outside Cornwall, PEI where they live with their younger son, Kareem, who is in grade ten at Bluefield High School. Their older son, Ahmad, is pursuing doctoral studies at the University of York in the UK.
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