VIU appoints new Vice-President Academic and Provost

Dr. Ralph Nilson, President and Vice-Chancellor for Vancouver Island University (VIU) announced today that Dr. David Witty has accepted the position of Vice-President Academic and Provost with VIU.

“The VP Academic and Provost will play a key role in shaping the education programs, student support infrastructure, community engagement activities and scholarship at the university,” said Nilson. “Dr. Witty's broad range of experience, planning expertise and his success as a respected post-secondary administrator and instructor will be a tremendous asset to VIU and our students as we shape our future directions. It is a pleasure to welcome him to Vancouver Island and to our university.”

Witty’s background includes serving as Dean with the Faculty of Architecture, at the University of Manitoba (U of M). In his role as Dean he continued teaching and led three innovative interdisciplinary graduate cross-cultural studies in partnership with northern Manitoba First Nations. His focus on Aboriginal content, networking and consultation was recognized by the Southeast Tribal Council.

In addition to teaching at the U of M, Witty has taught at the School of Community and Regional Planning (SCRP) at UBC and at Simon Fraser University’s City Program where he also served as Acting Director, Continuing Professional Programs. Witty was a member of three Canadian Environmental Assessment Review Panels providing advice to Federal and Provincial Environment Ministers on national projects. He is the founding Chair of the City of Winnipeg’s Urban Design Advisory Committee, former President of the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) and is the founding Chair of the Canadian Healthy Communities Project. In 1998, Witty was elected a Fellow of CIP for his outstanding contribution to planning in Canada. He is also member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and a Founding Member of the Council for Canadian Urbanism.

“I believe that quality education is attained through strong links between students, faculty, community and industry," said Witty. "I also believe in the promotion of excellence in teaching, scholarship and service, and in creating respectful and supportive learning and work environments.”

When asked about his appointment, Witty replied, "I am honoured to have been given this opportunity. This is an extraordinary time in VIU’s history. The opportunities for program growth, First Nations collaboration and community engagement are endless and I am excited to get started.”

Witty says he was attracted to VIU because of the opportunities created by university designation as well as VIU’s success in the areas of ocean science, Aboriginal engagement and exceptional international reputation.

"I’m inspired by the leadership at VIU and the work that is being done to establish long-range plans for VIU’s future. I am looking forward to working with Dr. Nilson, the administration, the faculty and staff at VIU to create an environment for students that is second to none in Canada,” concluded Witty.

Witty holds a Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of British Columbia, a Bachelor of Arts in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Arts in Regional Planning and Resource Development, University of Waterloo.

Witty will assume his new position with VIU in August 2010.

-30-