Leadership Overview
Athabasca University has 7 executives leading key functions including human resources, administrative operations, financial performance, information technology, and institutional leadership.
Committed to accessible online education, Athabasca University delivers research-intensive business programs to working professionals across Canada and beyond, fostering academic excellence through flexible, high-quality digital learning environments.
Committed to accessible online education, Athabasca University delivers research-intensive business programs to working professionals across Canada and beyond, fostering academic excellence through flexible, high-quality digital learning environments.
Leadership Roles at Athabasca University
David Head - Performance Services Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer (Interim)
David Head, the Performance Services Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer (Interim) at Athabasca University, directs all fiscal planning and budgetary oversight. Overseeing the financial health of the institution, the Performance Services Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer (Interim) ensures that resources support the delivery of high-quality online business programs. This leadership role involves managing capital allocation and financial reporting to maintain the research-intensive status of the university. By optimizing revenue streams from diverse academic offerings, David Head directly impacts the sustainability of the business faculty. Head also collaborates with the board to implement cost-effective operational strategies that enhance the value provided to working professionals. Through the rigorous analysis of financial performance metrics, the Performance Services Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer (Interim) mitigates fiscal risks while supporting growth. Ultimately, Head secures the financial future of the institution by maintaining strict adherence to budgetary goals and institutional priorities.
Matthew McCreary - Chief of Staff & President, Office of
Matthew McCreary, the Chief of Staff & President, Office of at Athabasca University, manages the strategic flow of information and executive priorities. Overseeing the daily operations of the presidential office, the Chief of Staff & President, Office of ensures that institutional goals remain synchronized with the needs of students and faculty. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the board and senior leadership to streamline decision-making processes. By coordinating cross-departmental projects, Matthew McCreary directly impacts the agility of the university in responding to market demands for online business degrees. McCreary also monitors the execution of long-term strategic plans, ensuring that every initiative supports the research-intensive mandate of the institution. Through the management of high-level stakeholder relationships, the Chief of Staff & President, Office of maintains the reputation of the university as a leader in digital education. Ultimately, McCreary drives organizational cohesion by aligning administrative efforts with the core mission.
Alexander Clark - President
Alexander Clark, the President at Athabasca University, directs the overarching strategic vision and institutional growth. Overseeing the academic and administrative direction, the President ensures that the university remains a premier provider of online business education. This leadership role involves representing the institution to government bodies and external stakeholders to secure support for research-intensive initiatives. By championing innovation in curriculum design, Alexander Clark directly impacts the success of students pursuing degrees in management and commerce. Clark also fosters a culture of excellence that attracts top-tier faculty and staff to the institution. Through the alignment of academic programs with industry needs, the President maintains the relevance of the university in a rapidly evolving global market. Ultimately, Clark drives the long-term mission of the university by prioritizing accessibility, research, and the professional development of students seeking flexible learning options through undergraduate and graduate programs.
Peter MacKinnon - Interim President
Peter MacKinnon, the Interim President at Athabasca University, manages the transition of leadership and maintains operational continuity. Overseeing the core functions of the university during this period, the Interim President ensures that the delivery of online business education remains uninterrupted. This leadership role involves stabilizing institutional processes and supporting the faculty in achieving academic goals. By facilitating clear communication across all departments, Peter MacKinnon directly impacts the morale and productivity of the university community. MacKinnon also works closely with the board to prepare for future strategic shifts while upholding the research-intensive mandate of the institution. Through the careful management of existing partnerships, the Interim President preserves the reputation of the university as a leader in flexible learning. Ultimately, MacKinnon secures the stability of the institution by focusing on the consistent execution of current academic programs and the ongoing support of students and working professionals.
Peter Scott - President
Peter Scott, the President at Athabasca University, directs the expansion of digital learning capabilities and institutional influence. Overseeing the strategic development of the faculty of business, the President ensures that the university meets the needs of executives and working professionals through innovative online formats. This leadership role involves spearheading initiatives that integrate Indigenous-focused courses into the broader curriculum. By promoting the research-intensive nature of the institution, Peter Scott directly impacts the academic standing of the university in Alberta and beyond. Scott also collaborates with industry partners to align professional development courses with current market demands. Through the implementation of growth-oriented policies, the President strengthens the capacity of the university to provide flexible, high-quality education. Ultimately, Scott secures the future of the institution by championing a vision that balances academic rigor with the practical requirements of students seeking career advancement through advanced business degrees.
Pauline Smeltz - Chief Human Resources Officer
Pauline Smeltz, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Athabasca University, directs all talent acquisition and organizational development initiatives. Overseeing the faculty workforce, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures alignment between human capital strategies and the broader mission of providing flexible online business education. This leadership role involves managing complex labor relations and fostering an inclusive culture for staff supporting diverse academic programs. By implementing robust performance management frameworks, Pauline Smeltz directly impacts the operational efficiency of the institution. Smeltz also coordinates with the executive team to refine recruitment policies that attract top-tier academic talent. Through the optimization of internal training programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the capacity of the university to serve working professionals. Ultimately, Smeltz secures the long-term stability of the human resources department by prioritizing employee engagement and professional growth across all administrative and academic support functions.
Raymond Welshman - Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer
Raymond Welshman, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at Athabasca University, architects the digital infrastructure required for online business education. Overseeing the technological backbone of the institution, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer ensures that learning management systems remain scalable and secure for students globally. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols and the integration of new educational technologies into the curriculum. By driving digital transformation initiatives, Raymond Welshman directly impacts the accessibility of undergraduate and graduate programs. Welshman also coordinates with academic leaders to implement specialized software that supports disciplines such as accounting and finance. Through the continuous improvement of network reliability, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer maintains the competitive edge of the university in the digital marketplace. Ultimately, Welshman secures the technological foundation necessary for delivering high-quality, flexible learning options to a diverse student body.
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The university system started as the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines in Fairbanks, later renamed the University of Alaska. That first year, the campus was a single two-story frame building and had just six students. The school was renamed the University of Alaska in 1935. In 1954, Anchorage Community College (now known as the University of Alaska Anchorage) was incorporated into the University of Alaska. That next year, Juneau Community College was established and was later named the University of Alaska Southeast. The UA systems largest hubs (UAA, UAF and UAS) are separately accredited institutions, as is Prince William Sound Community College in Valdez. System-wide, nearly 33,000 full- and part-time students are enrolled, studying among 500 unique degree, certificate or endorsement programs. Study areas include short-course workforce training, associate degrees, bachelors and masters degrees, as well as doctorates. Programs include a wide array of the sciences, engineering, teacher and early childhood education, business, journalism and communications, aviation, health occupations, history, English, the arts and humanities and many others. Per the Alaska Constitution, an 11-member board of regents governs the system. The system president serves as the boards chief executive officer. Chancellors for each of the hubsUAA, UAF and UAS--report to the president.
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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Athabasca University Top Executives and Leadership Team
