Dr. Robin Yates appointed deputy provost

I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Robin Yates as deputy provost, effective September 1, 2023. Since assuming his role as dean and vice-provost (graduate studies) in 2019, Dr. Yates has exhibited a clear and passionate vision for graduate education and an unwavering dedication to the success of every graduate student.

In his new role as deputy provost, Dr. Yates will be at the forefront of several academic portfolios, crucial to the implementation of the ambitious goals and initiatives of UCalgary’s strategic plan, Ahead of Tomorrow. Over the next few months, he and I will work closely to ensure the Provost's Office is optimally structured to achieve these goals.

After practicing as a veterinarian in Australia, Dr. Yates pursued his PhD at Cornell University on a Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarship in 2003. He completed his doctorate in 2006 and followed with a postdoctoral fellowship in biomedical science at Cornell. He earned a Master of Tertiary Education Management from the University of Melbourne in 2015 that allowed him to explore the management and leadership of universities from a scholarly perspective. Dr. Yates also holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Queensland. 

Dr. Yates joined UCalgary in 2008 with a joint appointment to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM).  He continues to lead a research group at CSM in the field of immunology. With funding from NSERC, CIHR and philanthropic organizations, his team researches the interface of innate and adaptive immunity with implications to aging, infectious disease and autoimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis. During his time at UCalgary, Dr. Yates has taken on expanded administrative roles including associate dean (students) and senior associate dean in the Faculty of Graduate Studies before taking on the role as interim dean, and then dean and vice-provost in 2019 and 2020 respectively.

Dr. Yates has received numerous awards for his achievements, including awards for Research Excellence and Teaching Excellence from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, awards for graduate supervision and mentorship from the Cumming School of Medicine and Faculty of Graduate Studies, and the GSA Champion Award for 2020. He was previously named in Avenue Magazine's Top 40 under 40 in Calgary.

During his tenure as dean and vice-provost (graduate studies), Dr. Yates led a significant expansion of graduate enrolment and facilitated the creation of over 50 new graduate credentials and specializations. With an emphasis on graduate student experience, Dr. Yates oversaw the modernization of graduate student recruitment, administration, and funding, including the launch of the International Graduate Student Tuition award that sees $3.5M paid directly to over 1,250 international graduate students annually.  

His commitment to enhancing the graduate student experience is second to none.

Dr. Tara Beattie will serve as interim dean and vice-provost (graduate studies) for one year, starting September 1, 2023, while we undertake a candidate search. Dr. Beattie, a dedicated member of our community since 2001, brings invaluable experience from her previous role as associate dean (graduate science education) in the Cumming School of Medicine.

I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to Drs. Sandra Davidson, Mary-Jo Romaniuk and Bill Rosehart for their invaluable contributions as deputy provosts over the past year. As a strong and collaborative team, they have been crucial to our shared success.

Please join me in congratulating Robin on his appointment and welcoming him into his new role. 

Dr. Penny Werthner
Interim Provost & Vice-President (Academic)