Dr. James Mandigo has been named as Provost and Vice-President, Academic at the University of the Fraser Valley. The Provost is ultimately responsible for setting overall academic priorities in teaching and learning, research and scholarship, and the quality of the university’s educational programming. The Provost also oversees the recruitment and retention of outstanding and diverse faculty and staff.

Mandigo holds a PhD from the University of Alberta in Physical Education and Recreation, a Master of Arts in Child and Development Studies from Laurentian University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education from Wilfrid Laurier University. He brings more than 20 years of research, teaching, and administrative experience to the role of Provost and joins UFV from Brock University where he most recently held the position of Vice-Provost for Enrolment Management and International.

His deep and varied post-secondary background includes roles as full professor, associate dean, and dean. He was also a visiting scholar at the University of Tsukuba in Japan, a visiting associate professor at UBC, and associate faculty member at the University of Toronto.

“I’m thrilled to be joining UFV — a school that has a wonderful and well-earned reputation as an innovative and student-focused university,” said Mandigo. “I’m looking forward to working with faculty, researchers, administration, and students to ensure UFV continues to deliver an engaging, relevant, and transformative educational experience that prepares students for a complex and global work place.”

Mandigo has published 43 refereed articles, many book chapters, and a full book entitled, Healthy schools, healthy futures. He has conducted workshops with educators and practitioners locally and around the world on topics including student-centred pedagogy, life skills education, physical literacy, and sport for development and peace. His research and development work has been funded by a number of organizations including the Social Science and Humanities Research Council, the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Studies Centre, and Scotiabank International.

He received a Distinguished Teaching award and a Teaching Excellence award at Brock and was formally recognized by the Government of El Salvador for his research and development work in that country. He is a recipient of the R. Tait McKenzie Award, Physical and Health Education Canada’s most prestigious award.

“UFV is excited to welcome Dr. Mandigo and looks forward to the broad perspective, insight, knowledge, and energy he brings,” said Dr. Joanne MacLean, President, UFV. “His background in research, his focus on teaching, and his global and practical experience will be superb assets as UFV continues to build on our strong foundation and as we evolve as a university.”

Mandigo’s experience spans several countries and his current research explores the role of sport and physical education in the prevention of youth violence in Central America.

Joining James is his spouse, Karen Natho, who has been recognized by numerous organizations in Niagara and Ontario for her leadership and expertise in the area of Parasport, and their three children Benjamin (17), Nathan (14), and Lillian (9). They are all looking forward to exploring the beautiful Fraser Valley together and meeting the entire UFV community.

The new Provost and Vice-President, Academic will take office on September 1, 2019.