Mount Royal University’s Board of Governors Update

Oct. 16, 2023

MRU Board of Governors Chair Alex Pourbaix has resigned effective October 12, 2023. Pourbaix, Executive Chair of Cenovus Energy, has been on the board and served as chair since 2019. Vice-Chair Chris Lee will assume the duties of the chair during this period of transition.

“Alex’s contribution to the board and to Mount Royal will be missed. He is an unwavering champion of the University,” says President Tim Rahilly, PhD. “We appreciate his leadership over the last four years and thank him for his work and efforts promoting MRU. We look forward to working with Vice-Chair Chris Lee, who has been in that role for the last three years, as he assumes the duties and responsibilities of acting chair.”

MRU welcomes three new members to the board: Pam Karlenzig (non-academic staff member), Kari Roberts (academic staff member) and Anisa Tilson (student member). We also thank Denise Man (public member) for her service.

The following members continue their service for the 2023-24 academic year:

  • Dawn Farrell, Chancellor
  • Dr. Tim Rahilly, President and Vice-Chancellor
  • Student member: Joseph Nguyen (Representative Executive Council President, SAMRU)
  • Academic staff member: Dr. Jacqueline Musabende
  • Alumni members: Dave Routledge, Shannon Pestun
  • Public members: Sherri Evers, Brenden Hunter, Carrie Lonardelli, Tom O’Leary, Shannon Ryhorchuk, Rob Schaefer, Salima Walji-Shivji

The Board of Governors is responsible for guiding the future of the institution and is accountable for ensuring public funds are used in a fiscally responsible manner. The province appoints members of the public to boards of post-secondary institutions to represent the interests of Albertans.