Dr. David Docherty renewed as President of Brandon University

Brandon University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. David Docherty has been renewed for a second five-year term.

The renewal was unanimously approved by the BU Board of Governors at their June meeting, and an official contract was signed this week.

“We are thrilled to support David for a second term as President and are enthused about the coming years for all of Brandon University,” said Julee Galvin, Chair of the BU Board of Governors. “David is a true BU booster, he cares deeply about the people who make up our campus, and he has an inspiring vision for the future of our community.”

Dr. Docherty came to BU in 2019 from Mount Royal University in Calgary, where he served as President for eight years. Combined with his ongoing tenure at BU, this makes Dr. Docherty one of Canada’s longest-serving university presidents.

“David’s unique combination of deep experience and outside perspective makes him a wonderful fit at Brandon University,” Galvin said. “We are a small campus where everyone has to wear many hats, and David’s keen ability to lead these complicated and overlapping relationships has been key to our success in his first term.”

Since arriving at BU, Dr. Docherty has steered BU through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, obtained an expansion of BU’s nursing and psychiatric nursing programs, and led the creation of Mamaawii-atooshke aakihkiwiin, the university’s acclaimed strategic plan, which positions BU as Canada’s finest regional university.

“Brandon University does two things extremely well, which are providing access and opportunity for students in our region, while also serving as a cultural, economic, and research hub that attracts investment and immigration to our community,” Dr. Docherty said. “Our plan celebrates and centres this core identity, empowering everyone across campus to contribute. It is a true people-driven vision because we are a people organization that it is an honour to lead.”

Most recently, Dr. Docherty has secured millions of dollars in provincial government funding for critical updates and renovations to the McMaster Hall residence, plus millions more to produce detailed architectural drawings of a transformed Brodie Science Building to make that project shovel ready for future funding opportunities. Under his Presidency, the campus has also made important strides towards Reconciliation, including the installation of a monumental Healing Together sculpture and the inclusion of meaningful Indigenous content in all BU degree programs. Meanwhile, Dr. Docherty is overseeing administrative renewal that includes decanal appointments and new senior leadership roles that elevate Indigenous initiatives and research support for BU faculty.

Dr. Docherty’s new contract continues his existing salary and other compensation, which is based on his academic rank as a full professor plus a presidential stipend. Any future increases to his salary would match those determined in the new faculty collective agreement, which is currently being negotiated — a process that is being conducted independently from him.

During Dr. Docherty’s second term, he will continue his practice of teaching a course in political science every year, which helps keep him connected to students. Brandon University will also celebrate its 125^th anniversary during this second term, over the 2024–25 academic year. The anniversary is a milestone that brings opportunities for further celebration, renewal, and expansion.

“These next few years are filled with energy and promise. We have brilliant students, engaged alumni, and dedicated faculty and staff who I know have the same desire I do to see BU recognized as the great institution we are, with our remarkable history and bright future that we have,” Dr. Docherty said. “I love Brandon and I love Brandon University; being President here is the greatest job in the world.”

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