Mount Royal University announces and welcomes Dr. Tim Rahilly as new president and vice-chancellor

Feb. 5, 2019

Calgary, Alberta — It is with great excitement and anticipation that the board of governors of Mount Royal University announces Dr. Tim Rahilly will become the institution’s tenth president and first vice-chancellor, serving a five-year term starting on May 1, 2019.

“Dr. Rahilly is deeply committed to the transformational power of education and how it changes students’ lives and our communities for the better,” says Sue Mallon, chair of the board of governors. “The board is confident he will work with faculty, staff and students to build a strong vision of Mount Royal’s future focused on an exceptional student experience.”

Rahilly succeeds Dr. David Docherty, who after completing an extended term as president, will become president at Brandon University, also effective May 1, 2019. Mallon thanks Docherty for his eight years of service, citing his focus on student success as driving many achievements at Mount Royal.

An established leader in higher education and student affairs, Rahilly (pronounced RAW-lee) is currently vice-provost and associate vice-president, Students and International at Simon Fraser University, a position he has held since 2010. Prior to this, he held academic, administrative and student services roles starting in 2003.
“I am tremendously impressed with how committed everyone at Mount Royal is to students,” said Rahilly. “This aligns with my view that universities should provide an education with academic merit and integrity, and an experience that is centred on the personal growth of each student.”

Passionate about remaining academically active, Rahilly taught courses and supervised graduate students at Simon Fraser University, University of Manitoba, Royal Roads University, Technical University of British Columbia and McGill University. Rahilly’s most recent publications include co-authoring contributions to “University Pathways: A Global Perspective” and “Serving Diverse Students in Canadian Higher Education: Models and Practices for Success”.
“Mount Royal has a distinguished reputation as a leader in teaching and learning, and a legacy of providing students with excellent experiential learning,” said Rahilly. “I look forward to becoming part of this important work and helping to ensure continued momentum for research across all disciplines.”

Rahilly also has leadership experience in increasing domestic and international enrolment; developing policies and programs to improve health and wellbeing and prevent sexual violence; supporting Indigenous students, advancing varsity sports and overseeing large capital projects. He is currently president of the Canadian Association of College and University Student Services.

“To me, every student on a campus ought to feel like they have a home at the institution, whether as part of a club or in the classroom,” said Rahilly. “At Mount Royal, people hold this value near and dear and are living the “You Belong Here” brand; I can hardly wait to be a part of this.”

Rahilly holds a PhD in Educational and Counselling Psychology from McGill University, a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology and Counselling from McGill University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Education from Concordia University.

He believes universities must be at the heart of a community. Along with contributing to a number of professional associations, Rahilly currently serves as an appointed member of the City of Port Moody Citizen Advisory Forum.
Mount Royal’s presidential search process began in July 2018, and the board of governors was assisted in it by a presidential selection committee made up of board, faculty, student and staff representatives and Boyden Canada. The rigorous search also included input into the position profile from both the campus and external communities.
As of February 1, 2019, changes in legislation now permit Mount Royal to appoint both a chancellor and a vice-chancellor. The date for the formal installation of Dr. Rahilly as president and vice-chancellor of Mount Royal will be set in the coming weeks.

View a video with Dr. Rahilly and read more at mru.ca/TimRead

For further information, and to arrange interviews, please contact:

Peter Glenn, Senior Media Relations Officer
Media cell: 403.463.6930
mediarelations@mtroyal.ca

NT5