David. H. Turpin
David H. Turpin, CM, PhD, LLD, FRSC, was the 13th president and vice-chancellor of the University of Alberta from 2015–2020.
One of Canada’s most admired and respected post-secondary leaders, Dr. Turpin has held several leadership roles. Dr. Turpin earned a BSc in cell biology and in 1980, a PhD in botany/oceanography from the University of British Columbia. Turpin began his career as an academic in the 1980s and held academic and leadership positions at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario and the University of British Columbia. Prior to becoming the 13th president of the University of Alberta, Turpin was president at the University of Victoria from 2000-2013.
Turpin’s work in research, teaching, and service to the community earned him numerous awards and distinctions. He is a member of the Order of Canada and a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. Turpin was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal in 2002 and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.
Watch "Farewell to U of A President David Turpin" video »
Highlights of achievements at the U of A
- developed and implemented an ambitious strategic plan called For the Public Good that empowered all members of the university to build, excel, engage and sustain initiatives that strengthened priorities and promoted the overall research capacity of the University of Alberta
- established five key signature research areas which have distinguished the University of Alberta as a global leader
- oversaw an increase in national and international student enrolment and a 40 per cent increase in Indigenous student enrolment
- secured record levels of research funding and donor support for the university, including a $75 million Canada First Research Excellence Fund grant, $82.5 million in provincial and federal infrastructure funding, and a $54.5 million gift to the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute – the largest in U of A history
- developed renewed governance processes, a new budget model, and an integrated asset management strategy
- led and provided support to the community through the tragedies of Fort McMurrary Wildfires and Flight PS752