Yiu named interim provost, VP academic for U of A
Former CEO of Alberta Health Services says he has `deep roots' with university
Dr. Verna Yiu has been named the University of Alberta's interim provost and academic vice-president for a two-year term starting July 1.
In a statement Friday, the university's president and vice-chancellor Bill Flanagan said Yiu's “depth of knowledge and understanding of the University of Alberta community will ensure a smooth leadership transition as we continue our sustained strategic transformation to build the University of Alberta for tomorrow.”
Yiu was the well-respected president and CEO of Alberta Health Services for years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic when she often spoke at the province's COVID-19 briefings and was often seen as a candid voice on the state of the province's health-care system.
She was removed from her post by the government in April, a year before her contract was set to expire.
Prior to working for Alberta Health Services, Yiu worked in various roles at the university, including as interim dean, vice dean and assistant dean for the faculty of medicine and dentistry.
“I have deep roots with the University of Alberta, and after a decade away I'm excited to re-immerse myself in this community. I know the university is in a place of tremendous change, and I look forward to getting reacquainted quickly so that we can work together to move the U of A into the future,” Yiu said in the statement.
She replaces Dr. Steven Dew, who is resigning from his posts after seven years.
In a statement, Dew said the past couple of years have been particularly taxing for everyone and affected his health and stamina. He will be taking an administrative leave.
“The university remains at a critical juncture, and I'm pleased that Bill has arranged for such a capable successor. I look forward to supporting Dr. Verna Yiu through this transition in whatever way I can,” he said.