Dr. Vera Pezer Elected New Chancellor of the U of S

Elected by U of S alumni, she will serve as a member of the U of S Board of Governors and play a central role at the University, presiding over Convocation, conferring degrees, and chairing the Senate. While Dr. Pezer begins her three-year term July 1, 2007, her installation ceremony will take place in conjunction with fall Convocation, on October 27, 2007.

Dr. Pezer first joined the U of S in 1966 in Student Counselling Services and as a part-time instructor in the Department of Psychology. She later became Director of Student Counselling, an Assistant Professor of Psychology, Assistant Dean for the College of Arts and Science, and the Associate Vice-President Student Affairs. Under her leadership, student retention and academic success were enhanced and the University's first offices dedicated to student emergency financial assistance, disability services for students, and Aboriginal student support programs were established.

An active volunteer and accomplished athlete, Dr. Pezer has served as Chair of the 1989 Jeux Canada Games Foundation, Director of the 1991 Scott Tournament of Hearts, and Ceremonies Chair of the 1989 Brier. As a Sport Psychologist, she was an advisor and trainer to Canadian curling teams in two Olympic Games. She is a four-time Canadian ladies' curling champion, a Canadian softball champion, two-time member of the Saskatchewan senior women's golf team, and a honoured member of both the Saskatchewan Sports Halls of Fame and Canadian Curling Hall of Fame. She also received the University of Saskatchewan Alumni Award of Achievement in 2002 and the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal in 2006.

Dr. Pezer is the 13th Chancellor of the University, and the third woman to hold the position.