Minister Joins Memorial University Community to Welcome New Grenfell Vice-President

The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, met Thursday with members of the Memorial University community on the west coast of the province, and took the opportunity to welcome Dr. Mary Bluechardt, Vice-President, Grenfell Campus of Memorial University, to her new role. Dr. Bluechardt officially assumed her duties on July 1.

“Grenfell has for many years been a major contributor to the academic, artistic, social, and economic development of the entire west coast of the island,” said Minister Burke. “This institution is a symbol of innovation and artistic excellence, and we expect to see that reputation grow in the future. I look forward to working with Dr. Bluechardt as we continue, together, to explore ways to make Grenfell Campus even better.”

Dr. Bluechardt has an extensive background in applied research and education. She holds a bachelor of physical and health education degree and a master’s of science degree from Lakehead University, as well as a PhD in exercise science from the University of Toronto. Dr. Bluechardt was the director of the School of Human Kinetics and Recreation at Memorial University from January 2006 to July 2009, and has now returned to Memorial after serving as Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT).

“Dr. Bluechardt is a thoughtful, personable, visionary team builder,” said Dr. Gary Kachanoski, Memorial’s President and Vice-Chancellor. “She is already very familiar with the province and Memorial, and that experience will serve her well. I look forward to working closely with her and the leadership team we are assembling at Grenfell Campus. The goals remain significant, the bar is set high, but we are excited about the prospects for our campus. And, as we welcome our new Vice-President for the Grenfell Campus, I want to acknowledge the contributions of our acting Vice-President, Dr. Holly Pike. Throughout her term, Dr. Pike continued to provide positive leadership for the campus and the university.”

The Provincial Government has made several strategic investments in Grenfell in recent years, including more than $23 million allocated for the construction of a new student residence; $19.2 million for a new academic building; $1.8 million for a Centre for Environmental Excellence; $1.6 million for the purchase of the RecPlex Building, and $1.1 million for a new student services building.

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2011 07 08             10:10 a.m.