Career Achievements & Milestones
Dr. Doris Kieser to Serve as Acting VPAD at St. Joseph’s College
EDMONTON AB - April 23, 2026
As announced on April 9, 2026, Dr. Matthew Kostelecky will serve as Acting President at St. Joseph’s College from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, during President Shawn Flynn’s sabbatical. Dr. Kostelecky will then be taking a sabbatical the following year from July 1, 2027, to June 30, 2028.
St. Joseph’s College (SJC) is pleased to announce that current Associate Academic Dean Dr. Doris Kieser will step into the role of Acting Vice President (Academic) and Dean (VPAD) for two years, July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2028.
“I am looking forward to Dr. Kieser moving into the role of Acting VPAD,” says Dr. Matthew Kostelecky. “We will continue to rely on her vast experience at St. Joe’s, and I am confident in her ability to lead SJC Academics and support the senior administrative team in the coming years.”
Dr. Kieser has been Associate Academic Dean at SJC since July 2022. Prior to that, Kieser has a long history with St. Joseph’s College and the University of Alberta, receiving her undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta with studies at St. Joseph’s College. Dr. Kieser received her PhD from the University of Alberta, an MA in Theology from University of St. Michael’s College (Toronto) and has an MA in Counselling from Gonzaga University. She is also an Associate Adjunct Professor with the John Dossetor Health Ethics Centre.
Kieser began her tenure at SJC as a sessional instructor of theology in the winter of 2002, then went on to a single-year limited term appointment in the 2002-2003 academic year, then a multiple-year appointment, and on to tenure track at SJC in 2007-2008. She was promoted to Associate Professor on July 1, 2016.
“I am honoured to be taking on the role of VPAD for the coming two years,” reflects Dr. Kieser, “while Dr. Flynn and Dr. Kostelecky each take well-deserved study leaves. It is lovely to be taking on this service with my colleagues during a time of growth and excitement at SJC.”