UVic appoints respected broadcaster Shelagh Rogers as next chancellor

May 30, 2014

Shelagh Rogers, OC—popular national radio host, witness and champion of reconciliation for Aboriginal people, long-time advocate for adult literacy and mental health awareness and an acknowledged “voice” of the country—has been named the University of Victoria’s 11th chancellor. She assumes office for a three-year term Jan. 1, 2015.

UVic President Jamie Cassels says, “Shelagh Rogers exemplifies the values that characterize our university. She is deeply connected with communities across Canada; her cultural contributions and ability to reach into people’s everyday lives as a well-known broadcaster and as an advocate for public awareness on important societal issues will make her an outstanding ambassador for the university. On campus, her trademark warmth, compassion and enthusiasm will help inspire our students and connect with them on a very authentic level.”

A veteran broadcast journalist, Rogers is currently the host and a producer of The Next Chapter, a CBC program about Canadian writers and songwriters. She moved to BC in 2003 after 23 years working on CBC news and current affairs radio programs. In 2011, she was named an Officer of the Order of Canada for her contributions as a promoter of Canadian culture, and for her volunteer work in the fields of mental health and literacy. She has committed herself to working toward reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people from coast to coast to coast, and was inducted as an Honorary Witness for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in June 2011.

“There is no real or metaphorical wall around the UVic campus,” says Rogers. “I sense a real openness to new ideas and fresh approaches to engagement of the university community and beyond. I really believe in the values of UVic. As a mental health activist and an advocate for adult literacy, I have worked towards civic engagement for many years. I’m deeply interested in how to excite the hearts and minds of young Canadians to create a better, stronger country and world. UVic’s commitment to Aboriginal students and communities was another compelling reason for me to take on this new role.”

“Being a witness to convocation, one of life’s benchmark days, and helping launch students into the world as bachelors, masters and doctors is an enormous honour,” adds Rogers.

Rogers will continue as host of The Next Chapter while serving as chancellor.

As the university’s titular head, the chancellor confers the university’s degrees and is a member of the university senate and board of governors.

Chancellor Murray Farmer, first elected in 2008, completes his second and, by law, final term at the end of 2014. “I’m delighted to welcome Ms. Rogers to the UVic community,” says Farmer.

The formal installation of UVic’s next chancellor will take place during Spring 2015 convocation.

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