I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Christine Hughes as Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, effective July 1, 2023, and Dr. Vikas Mehrotra as Dean of the Alberta School of Business, effective April 11, 2023.
Dr. Christine Hughes
Dr. Hughes is a professor of pharmacy & pharmaceutical sciences. A knowledgeable leader and practiced administrator, Dr. Hughes has served the faculty as Interim Dean since 2021. She has also held numerous other leadership roles in the faculty including vice-dean, assistant dean of PharmD curriculum development, associate dean of undergraduate programs, and chair of the pharmacy practice division.
As a researcher, Dr. Hughes focuses on the treatment and prevention of HIV and other sexually-transmitted and blood-borne infections, as well as the role of community pharmacists in sexual health, including screening, treatment and the administration of vaccines. Her clinical expertise and leadership was recognized with the MJ Huston Pharmacist of Distinction and the Canadian Pharmacists Association Patient Care Achievement in Specialty Practice. She is the recipient of multiple teaching awards, including the University of Alberta’s Rutherford Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, the Bristol Myers Squibb, Excellence in Teaching Award, and the faculty’s Teaching Excellence Award.
Dr. Hughes’ vision for the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences continues to prioritize the advancement of equity, diversity and inclusivity, Indigenous initiatives, and a collegial work environment. She is invested in advancing interdisciplinary research and teaching; promoting collegiality with academic colleagues, students, alumni, donors and professional organizations; and continuing to lead the way in advancing pharmacy practice in Alberta and across Canada.
Dr. Vikas Mehrotra
Dr. Mehrotra is a professor of finance at the Alberta School of Business, and a longtime member of the University of Alberta community. Since joining the U of A in 1992 he has served in a number of leadership roles, including associate dean of MBA programs (2002-2005) where he stewarded the launch of the Masters in Financial Management in Shenzhen, China, as well as degree offerings in Fort McMurray. He also served as a chair of the department of finance from 2007-2017, during which time he helped found the Alberta Finance Institute with the goal to foster financial education and research that contributes to the economic development of the province.
Dr. Mehrotra’s research focuses on climate risk, family business, corporate restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, international financial markets, and environmental, social and governance analysis. His research in climate risk information disclosure seeks to understand the incentives firms face in voluntarily disclosing climate risk information to their investors, and identify the source of gains from reductions in their carbon emissions.
Dr. Mehrotra’s leadership priorities include participatory decision-making, with an emphasis on equity, diversity and inclusion, Indigenization, and active listening. His vision for the Alberta School of Business keeps in mind the challenges and opportunities faced by the larger society we live in. He sees positioning the Alberta School of Business to train generations of leaders working with the global economy, addressing these opportunities, and tackling these challenges as the school's ultimate goal and mission—a mission the school pursues in close partnership with the business community.
Thank you to Dr. Kyle Murray for his service as Acting Dean since 2021. Dr. Murray has provided strong and stable leadership for the Alberta School of Business through the intense challenges of the last two years, including the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, budget cuts and institutional restructuring. I have been grateful for his thoughtful advice and engagement, and wish him well into the future.
I want to thank the members of both Dean Selection Committees for their commitment and hard work throughout the selection processes.
Please join me in congratulating Deans Hughes and Mehrotra and welcoming them to their new leadership role at the U of A.
Verna Yiu
Interim Provost and Vice-president (Academic)