Meet Robin Fisher

Robin Fisher, PhD
Provost and Vice-President, Academic

I joined Mount Royal in 2005 as Provost and Vice-President, Academic. In my role as chief academic officer for the institution, I
 

• oversee ten Faculties/Schools as well as the Library, Enrolment Services and the Office of Research Services.
• work with faculty and staff to provide innovative, current academic programs with high quality instruction designed to facilitate the success of its graduates.
• work to administer and support the institution as a whole.

Background

Originally from New Zealand, I completed a BA at Massey University and an MA at the University of Auckland. I emigrated to Canada in 1970 to undertake a PhD. at the University of British Columbia where I became a scholar of the history of British Columbia and, in particular, of First Nations people.

My academic career began in the Department of History at Simon Fraser University where I was appointed Assistant Professor in 1974 and Full Professor in 1983.

In 1993, I accepted the position of founding chair of the history program at the University of Northern British Columbia. I subsequently became Dean, Arts and Science and, in 1997, Dean of a newly-formed College of Arts, Social and Health Sciences.

In 2002, I joined the University of Regina as Dean of Arts. I believe that my various positions have allowed me to gain valuable experience and insight into many aspects of post-secondary education.

In addition to my contribution as a member of the senior administrative team, I participate on a number of external bodies, including:

• Senior Academic Officers
• the Alberta Council of Admissions and Transfer
• the Alberta Rural Development Network
• the National Chair Academy Board

Mount Royal

I came to Mount Royal because I've always been impressed by its reputation for providing high-quality programs and teaching excellence and I hope that Mount Royal benefits from my experience.

In order to enhance and support faculty excellence, student success, and to facilitate the transition of Mount Royal to a university, I have along with others developed a comprehensive Academic Plan which provides a foundation and structure for the academic component of the institution over a five year period. Some of the broad goals outlined in the plan are highlighted below:

• establishment of the Iniskim (Aboriginal) Centre
• development and implementation of new degrees
• acquisition of funding to support undergraduate programs
• promotion of scholarship/research and its integration with teaching
• increased emphasis on general education and experiential learning
• construction of new academic facilities
• establishment of Faculty Councils
• implementation of new support services designed to assist the student experience from application to graduation
• establishment of new committees to support both ongoing and emerging institutional needs

I have a lifetime "research" project to conduct on-the-ground surveys of the Pacific landing places of Captain James Cook. One of the most moving moments in my life was to watch the sun rise on the new millennium at Mercury Bay, NZ. More than two hundred years earlier, Cook observed the transit of Mercury.