Minister Announces New Chair of
Memorial University Board of Regents

The Honourable Joan Shea, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills, announced today the appointment of Iris Petten as Chair of the Memorial University Board of Regents. Ms. Petten replaces Robert Simmonds, who was appointed as board chair in 2008.

Ms. Petten is a Memorial University Alumna and has extensive experience as a corporate board member and volunteer within private, publicly traded, crown and non-profit corporations.

“I am pleased Ms. Petten has accepted the appointment of Chair of the Memorial University Board of Regents,” said the Minister Shea. “Ms. Petten’s proven leadership and dedication will ensure high quality post-secondary education, enhance employment prospects for graduates, and help secure the greatest benefits from our economic opportunities. I would also like to recognize Robert Simmonds, who provided exemplary service to the board.”

The following members of the Board of Regents have been re-appointed for a second three-year term: Sheila Ashton, Patsy Coish-Snow, Mary Cormier, Brian Dalton, Michelle Daye, James Keating, William Matthews, Vinod Patel, Anthony Roche and Kathleen Roul.

The Memorial University Board of Regents, along with Memorial University’s Senate, is responsible for all matters related to programming, qualifications of employees and all other matters deemed to be in the best interest of the institution. The Board of Regents consists of individuals with a diverse range of knowledge and expertise. It consists of 30 members, including 17 general members appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council, three joint Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic representatives, six members elected by the Alumni Association, and four student members.

Biographical information for Ms. Petten can be found in the backgrounder below.

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Media contact:
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Advanced Education and Skills
709-729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca 

BACKGROUNDER
Biographical Information

Iris Petten
Iris Petten is a Memorial University Alumna with experience as a corporate board member within private, publicly traded, crown and non-profit corporations. Ms. Petten graduated from Memorial University in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economic Geography and Business Administration. She then graduated with a Bachelor of Vocational Education in 1997. She is a senior executive with over twenty years experience in the fishing industry. Ms. Petten has served as Corporate Director of Canship Ugland Ltd., Penney Ugland Ltd., Canada Post Corporation and Oceanex. Her work and volunteer experience with many organizations, including Kids Eat Smart, Newfoundland and Labrador Angel Network Easter Seals, and the Advisory Committee of the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University, illustrates her exceptional versatility and adaptability within a variety of organizations.

2013 02 14             4:30 p.m.