Overview
The External Relations team brings to light the stories of our faculty, staff, students and alumni and connects the university community with partners in industry, government, and the broader public. By leading the strategy for both internal and external initiatives, we build reputation, foster pride and advance our mission of uplifting the whole people.
You Gave Shape to the Future
Together, we raised $147M to empower the next generation.
From scholarships to global discovery, your gifts created the foundation for a new generation of change-makers. Thank you for moving ideas forward.
Learn MoreFeatured Projects and Initiatives
Connector Sessions
The Connector Sessions is a community-engaged initiative that brings together leading University of Alberta researchers and their industry partners to share with business leaders how their collaborations are helping to solve some of the world's biggest challenges.
We Are Green+Gold
At the U of A, Green + Gold Day is every day! It's how we celebrate the people who make our university community vibrant, inclusive and innovative. Wearing Green + Gold and spreading school spirit throughout our campuses and communities is a powerful reminder that we all belong!
Report to the Community
The University of Alberta is leading with purpose, driving meaningful and innovative change with an understanding that community connections are integral to building a safer, stronger, healthier and more just world.
In 2025-26, our donors helped us prepare the next generation of change makers, community builders and world shapers.
Vice-President of External Relations
Elan MacDonald ICD.D
Elan MacDonald is the vice-president, External Relations at the University of Alberta. Elan has spent her career advising organizations and corporations on sustaining and growing their businesses by navigating government, policy development, crisis communications, regulatory and legislative processes and shifting political, social and economic landscapes. Elan serves on the board of Edmonton International Airport (YEG) and Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (AMII) and is past-chair of the Real Estate Council of Alberta and the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. She has also served on the boards of Covenant Health, Edmonton Global, Alberta Ballet and Atlas Global Brands.
Prior to joining the U of A, Elan founded Impact Consulting, one of Alberta’s most reputable government relations advisory and communications companies, serving local, national and international clients. She later joined her firm with Global Public Affairs, where she became the senior vice president, National Client Development.
Elan has a long history in Alberta politics serving as deputy chief of staff and political advisor to two Alberta premiers, and as a political advisor to cabinet ministers. She has a master’s degree in strategic public relations from George Washington University and a bachelor of arts in political science from University of Calgary.
