Senior Leadership Team
Algoma University’s senior leadership team is committed to the University's special mission and student success.
The University is governed by two bodies, the Board of Governors and the University Senate. The Senior Executive are in charge of the university’s operations as a whole. Learn about the individuals who lead Algoma University.
Senior Executive
The Senior Executives are in charge of the university's operations as a whole. Learn about the individuals who lead Algoma University.
Patty Chabbert
Interim VP, Nyaagaaniid - Anishinaabe Initiatives, Equity & Decolonization
Learn MoreCraig Fowler
Vice-President of Growth, International, & External Relations
Craig joined Algoma University in 2019 and brings over 20 years of pertinent professional experience to this role. He joined Algoma University from Laurentian University where he was in several key executive roles focussed on administration, operations, community engagement, research partnerships, innovation and economic development. Before joining Laurentian, Craig spent over 12 years with the Ontario government. During his career as a public servant, he held a series of progressively senior leadership positions in various ministries, including Finance, Economic Development, Research, and Innovation. Craig has a Master’s degree in Local Economic Development and a Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, both from the University of Waterloo. He has also completed Executive programs at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and Ivey School of Business.
In the role of Vice President Growth, Innovation and External Relations, Craig is a member of the University’s Senior Executive Team. Craig is responsible for the University’s overall growth, innovation and external profile by providing leadership and direction in strategic enrollment management, recruitment, advancement, alumni affairs, innovation, strategic partnerships, government relations, public affairs, university communications and marketing strategies. The position also includes oversight of the Brampton campus operations and development.
Dr. Asima Vezina
President and Vice-Chancellor
1st Term: October 23, 2017 – September 30, 2022
2nd Term: October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2027
Asima Vezina joined the Algoma University leadership team as President and Vice-Chancellor for an initial five-year term on October 23, 2017, bringing more than 20 years of transformational leadership experience to the role.
Reporting to the Board of Governors, Asima oversees the development and implementation of the institution’s Strategic Plan while advancing the University’s Special Mission to cultivate cross-cultural learning in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment. Asima’s leadership was further recognized in June of 2022 when the Board unanimously approved her reappointment for a second five-year term.
During President’s Vezina’s tenure, the University has experienced record enrolment growth, successfully introduced new academic programming, and an expanded research presence. The University has significantly expanded its presence in both Northern and Southern Ontario through the development of a new tri-campus operational model. Algoma’s campus in the heart of downtown Brampton has grown exponentially under President Vezina’s leadership.
Algoma University has been recognized as a leader within the post-secondary sector’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, as reinforced within Honouring our Commitment. In 2019, Asima co-chaired the Universities Canada 5th Annual National Building Reconciliation Forum – Working Together to Advance Healing & Reconciliation on the Shingwauk site in Sault Ste. Marie alongside Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, Nipissing University, Cape Breton University and the University of Northern British Columbia.
As a dedicated advocate for student success, student voices, and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), Asima has worked tirelessly to integrate cross-cultural teaching within all aspects of Algoma’s operations. The University’s EDI efforts were publicly recognized in 2019 when it received the Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business Achievement Award – Diversity.
Additionally, as a champion for innovation and regional development, Asima has driven forward a range of strategic initiatives to expand the role the University plays as a driver of economic development and leader in social and cultural change within the communities of Brampton, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins.
President’s Vezina’s tenacity is contagious; everything Asima does, she does with passion. Asima works tirelessly to build and strengthen bridges with stakeholders from the post-secondary, government, research, business and other sectors – locally, regionally, provincially, nationally and internationally.
A selection of recent accolades acknowledging President Vezina’s impact as a leader include the following:
- 2022 Community Impact Award – Economic Development
- 2021 Athena Leadership Award for professional excellence and dedication to improving the quality of life for others in the community while assisting others, particularly women, in realizing their leadership potential
- 2020 SSM Innovation Centre SSMARt Innovation Women in Leadership Award
- 2019 Chamber of Commerce President’s Award
Prior to joining Algoma University, Asima worked in various administrative roles including: approximately 15 years as a Superintendent of Education with the District School Board Ontario Northeast and Algoma District School Boards; and Provincial Lead for the Ministry of Education within the Student Achievement Division – Leadership and Implementation Branch. Asima is an active volunteer sitting on various boards and committees locally, provincially and nationally.
Asima grew up in the Algoma region of Northern Ontario and continues to live there today. She completed her undergraduate studies at Lakehead University, her Master’s in Educational Leadership at Nipissing University and is currently completing a PhD in Leadership through the Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education at OISE, University of Toronto.
Dr. Michele Piercey-Normore
Special Advisor to the President
Dr. Michele Piercey-Normore joined Algoma University as the Vice-President, Academic and Research on May 1, 2022.
Dr. Piercey-Normore brings with her more than 20 years of research and teaching experience within the professorial ranks and 12 years of progressive administrative experience at two multi-campus universities, including the roles of Associate Dean and Associate Head with the University of Manitoba followed by, Dean of the School of Science and the Environment, Grenfell Campus, Memorial University.
In the role of VPAR, Michele is a member of the University’s senior executive team. She leads the academic and research functions of the University, supporting excellence in teaching and learning and excellence in faculty and student research. She continues to work closely with the Academic Dean and oversees the directors responsible for the Registrar’s Office, the Library, and Experiential Learning and International Affairs.
Kramer Rousseau
Interim VP, Finance & Operations
Kramer is an accomplished accounting professional with over a decade of experience in the accounting and finance industry. He is an Algoma University alumnus who graduated from the Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) program with an Accounting specialization and holds a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation, showcasing his commitment to excellence and expertise in the field.
Since joining Algoma University in 2019, Kramer has played a key role in managing and overseeing financial operations, contributing significantly to the institution’s financial success. His extensive experience in public and corporate accounting, including leadership roles associated with the development of various tools and efficiencies for process improvement make him a valued member of the Algoma University leadership team.
In his current role as the Interim VP Finance & Operations, Kramer works closely with the University’s senior executive team. This role leads the University’s Facilities, Innovation and Technology and Finance & Planning teams.
Dr. Donna Rogers
Interim Vice-President, Academic & Research
705-949-2301, ext 4130
André Allen
Chief Information Officer
Ilham Punjani
Chief of Business Transformation, Strategy and Sustainability
Patty Chabbert
Interim VP, Nyaagaaniid - Anishinaabe Initiatives, Equity & Decolonization
Home of the President
Asima C. Vezina
President and Vice-Chancellor
The President is the chief executive officer of the University and has supervision over and direction of the academic and general administration of the University, its students, managers, teaching staff and non-teaching employees.
Get to KnowBoard of Governors
The Board of Governors is responsible for the government, conduct, management, and control of the University and its property.
Learn MoreDr. Asima Vezina
President and Vice-Chancellor
1st Term: October 23, 2017 – September 30, 2022
2nd Term: October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2027
Asima Vezina joined the Algoma University leadership team as President and Vice-Chancellor for an initial five-year term on October 23, 2017, bringing more than 20 years of transformational leadership experience to the role.
Reporting to the Board of Governors, Asima oversees the development and implementation of the institution’s Strategic Plan while advancing the University’s Special Mission to cultivate cross-cultural learning in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment. Asima’s leadership was further recognized in June of 2022 when the Board unanimously approved her reappointment for a second five-year term.
During President’s Vezina’s tenure, the University has experienced record enrolment growth, successfully introduced new academic programming, and an expanded research presence. The University has significantly expanded its presence in both Northern and Southern Ontario through the development of a new tri-campus operational model. Algoma’s campus in the heart of downtown Brampton has grown exponentially under President Vezina’s leadership.
Algoma University has been recognized as a leader within the post-secondary sector’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, as reinforced within Honouring our Commitment. In 2019, Asima co-chaired the Universities Canada 5th Annual National Building Reconciliation Forum – Working Together to Advance Healing & Reconciliation on the Shingwauk site in Sault Ste. Marie alongside Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, Nipissing University, Cape Breton University and the University of Northern British Columbia.
As a dedicated advocate for student success, student voices, and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), Asima has worked tirelessly to integrate cross-cultural teaching within all aspects of Algoma’s operations. The University’s EDI efforts were publicly recognized in 2019 when it received the Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business Achievement Award – Diversity.
Additionally, as a champion for innovation and regional development, Asima has driven forward a range of strategic initiatives to expand the role the University plays as a driver of economic development and leader in social and cultural change within the communities of Brampton, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins.
President’s Vezina’s tenacity is contagious; everything Asima does, she does with passion. Asima works tirelessly to build and strengthen bridges with stakeholders from the post-secondary, government, research, business and other sectors – locally, regionally, provincially, nationally and internationally.
A selection of recent accolades acknowledging President Vezina’s impact as a leader include the following:
- 2022 Community Impact Award – Economic Development
- 2021 Athena Leadership Award for professional excellence and dedication to improving the quality of life for others in the community while assisting others, particularly women, in realizing their leadership potential
- 2020 SSM Innovation Centre SSMARt Innovation Women in Leadership Award
- 2019 Chamber of Commerce President’s Award
Prior to joining Algoma University, Asima worked in various administrative roles including: approximately 15 years as a Superintendent of Education with the District School Board Ontario Northeast and Algoma District School Boards; and Provincial Lead for the Ministry of Education within the Student Achievement Division – Leadership and Implementation Branch. Asima is an active volunteer sitting on various boards and committees locally, provincially and nationally.
Asima grew up in the Algoma region of Northern Ontario and continues to live there today. She completed her undergraduate studies at Lakehead University, her Master’s in Educational Leadership at Nipissing University and is currently completing a PhD in Leadership through the Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education at OISE, University of Toronto.
Arjun Batra
External Member
1st Term: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Robert Battisti
Vice-Chair, External Member
1st Term: September 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Cecilia Bruno
Order in Council Member
1st Term: December 2, 2021 – December 1, 2024
Sonja Kosuta
External Member
1st Term: July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023
2nd Term: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026
Rajat Marwah
External Member
1st Term: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Ian Grant
External Member
1st Term: October 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027
Paul Minion
Student Member
1st Term: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025
Jake Pastore
Order in Council Member
1st Term: July 30, 2024 – July 29, 2027
Kelli-Ann Lemieux
Chair, External Member
1st Term: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Taylor Sayers
External Member
1st Term: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Mario Turco
Chancellor
1st Term: September 1, 2020 – August 31, 2024
2nd Term: September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2028
The Senate
The Senate is responsible for the educational policy of the University and may enact by-laws and regulations for the conduct of its affairs.
This includes making recommendations to the Board to establish, modify or terminate programs and courses of studies; advises the president on faculty staffing needs; appoints the Academic Dean and Faculty and Department chairs; determines curriculum and academic standards; conducts examinations and hears appeals; awards bursaries and scholarship.
Learn More
Our Chancellor
Mario Turco has been appointed as Algoma University’s second Chancellor for a four-year term beginning September 1, 2020.
The Chancellor of the University is the titular head of the institution and confers all degrees. The Chancellor is a Board member and acts as an ambassador for the University.
Get to KnowInstitutional Organization Chart
The Institutional Organization Chart outlines Algoma University's organizational structure by position and by department.
Latest News
New Study Highlights Barriers and Supports for Indigenous Students in Post-Secondary Education
Posted Jan 15, 2025
Algoma University School of Social Work Associate Professor, Dr. Rose E. Cameron and University of Toronto researchers, have completed an...