University Management Course (UMC)

George A. MacLean, Former Vice-President (Academic), University of New Brunswick

George A. MacLean is a professor of Political Science in the Faculty of Arts at the University of New Brunswick. He is also an adjunct faculty member in Political Science and a research fellow at the Centre for the Study of Security and Development at Dalhousie University. 

Previously, George served as Vice-President (Academic) at the University of New Brunswick from 2016 to 2021, and Dean of Arts at UNB from 2014 to 2016. At the University of Manitoba, he was Associate Dean of Graduate Studies from 2011 to 2014, and Department Head in Political Studies from 2005 to 2011.

Recipient of multiple awards for teaching and research, and listed by Maclean’s as one of the top profs, George has presented lectures in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Europe, and Asia. He has worked with the Canadian government on matters of foreign and security policy and has appeared before Canadian Senate and House of Commons hearings. George's articles have appeared in publications including Journal of Human Security, International Journal of Canadian Studies, Foreign Policy Review, Whitehead Journal of Diplomacy and International Relations, Revista Mexicana de Estudios Canadienses, The Australian Journal of International Affairs, Policy Options, Journal of Conflict Studies, Canadian Foreign Policy, and Journal of World Affairs and New Technology.

Adam Gaudry, Vice Dean, Research and Graduate Studies, Faculty of Native Studies, University of Alberta

Adam Gaudry is vice dean, Research and Graduate Studies, and professor in the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta. He is from a Métis family that immigrated to Ontario from the Red River, and grew up in Southern Ontario. He holds both  undergraduate and master’s degrees from Queen’s University and a PhD from the University of Victoria. Adam’s scholarly work focuses on Indigenization at Canadian universities, in particular the implementation of Indigenization policy in research, teaching, and service activities across Canadian campuses. 

Dru Marshall, Former Provost and VP Academic, University of Calgary

Dru Marshall served as the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) of the University of Calgary from 2011 to 2021. She is currently on administrative leave.

A nationally recognized leader with nearly 30 years of post-secondary sector experience, Dru has previously served as the chair of the U-15 Group of Canadian Research Universities Provosts, and as the only non-American executive committee member on the Council of Academic Affairs of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities. She has been recognized as one of Canada’s WXN Top 100 most powerful women and as one of the most influential women in sport and physical activity in Canada by the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport and Physical Activity. For her work in high performance sport in Canada, she was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. 

Dru holds a BPE with distinction from the University of Manitoba, and an MSc and PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Alberta. She credits her coaching experience for helping in part to shape her executive leadership style and to earn her reputation as a strong team leader, team builder and mentor.

Petra Bergner, Former Associate Vice-President of People & Culture, University of New Brunswick 

Petra Bergner joined the University of New Brunswick family during COVID in August 2020. As per her personal motto, be brave, she jumped into the role and lead virtually during the pandemic. In her short time at the university, Petra has developed a 10-year HR People Strategy that aligns with UNB’s 2030 Strategic Vision and supports the Fourth Pillar - A People-Centric, Values-Informed University Community. Both strategic documents support people to realize their full potential; increase participation of equity-seeking groups in leadership roles; and foster a culture of support, recognition, and celebration that equally supports people from all backgrounds. 

With over 30 years in the people business, Petra is passionate about equity, diversity, and inclusion. This has been evident throughout her career. She has continued to expand her knowledge and education, earning a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation in 2005, a Master of Arts in leadership in 2008, a graduate certificate in executive coaching in 2009, and a provincial instructor diploma in 2011. 

Jean-Paul Boudreau, First Acadian President and Vice-Chancellor of Mount Allison University from 2018 to 2023

Jean-Paul Boudreau was named one of the Top 50 CEOs of Atlantic Canada by Atlantic Business Magazine in 2022, and honoured with the 2023 Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. He is recognized as a transformative leader with nearly three decades of experience in Canadian higher education, and has held numerous leadership positions at several universities in Canada.

With a PhD from Tufts University (Boston), Jean-Paul is a professor of psychology and a fellow of the Canadian Psychological Association. As a developmental scientist, he has devoted his time to understanding the dynamic interaction between mind and action during infancy. He has published and presented scientific findings internationally and held visiting professorships at universities including the University of Maryland and Uppsala University (Sweden). 

Jean-Paul is a champion of innovation with a focus on program development, infrastructure growth, and entrepreneurial thinking across disciplines. Co-founder of a successful university-based social innovation incubator in Toronto, Jean-Paul is motivated by a “do good, better” motto for empowering students, faculty and staff to be changemakers. As a supervisor of BA, BSc, MA and PhD students, he is recognized for his mentorship and talent development. 

Elected and appointed to numerous national and provincial boards, Jean-Paul has extensive governance experience from serving diverse professional, government and advocacy-based organizations. Working effortlessly with all orders of government and the private sector across three universities and provinces, his "CEO of Optimism" leadership has generated results: next-level research funding and enrolment growth, 30 academic programs and schools, 50 full-time faculty hires, and $95 million in funding for students, programs, and innovative infrastructure.