UNews - Human Performance Research Institute

Mahon installed as 6th U of L President

trevor.kenney — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 18:02:07 +0000

The Hon. Catherine Fraser, Chief Justice of the Province of Alberta, officially installed Dr. Michael James Mahon as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's 6th President and Vice-Chancellor on Friday.

The Installation ceremony, held at the U of L's 1^st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness, was a celebratory affair as Mahon addressed students, staff and faculty from the U of L as well as ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ supporters.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors Chair Bob Turner says Mahon has already made significant inroads in his brief time at the helm – in particular connecting with students, faculty members and staff to learn about the inner workings of campus. He looks forward to the future of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ under his direction.

"Mike and Maureen Mahon may be new to the community but they are making an impact, even in these few short months," says Turner. "Along with the members of our Board of Governors, I am extremely pleased to be working with Mike and our senior leadership team as they move the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ forward."

An accomplished kinesiology researcher, Mahon holds a PhD in Education from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an MSc in Physical Education from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta and a Bachelor of Physical Education from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manitoba.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Man., Mahon began his academic career at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manitoba in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation Studies in 1987.

During his tenure there he served as Director of the Health, Leisure and Human Performance Research Institute for six years. He joined the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta in 2000 and served two terms as the Dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation. His current research is in the field of adapted physical activity with an emphasis on intellectual disability and sport for development.

With his inaugural address to the community, Mahon says his primarily role is to support and serve the people who comprise the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community.

"As I begin my first year as president, I assure you, our university will continue to provide each and every student with the most vital and engaging learning environment in the country. I believe in collaboration, trust, foresight, listening and empowerment."

He acknowledges the U of L's more than 40-year evolution from a small and very successful primarily undergraduate university to a research-intensive, comprehensive university focusing on undergraduate and graduate studies.

"This is a place where ideas ignite thanks to inspired teaching combined with superior research," says Mahon. "The U of L is a place where a collaborative community of scholars and researchers has built a culture of support – for students, both undergraduate and graduate, for each other and for the broader communities of southern Alberta and beyond. Everyone at this university and in this community contributes to our success."

Mahon also introduces another concept that he is planning to implement: a fundamental belief in the importance of community service learning outside of the classroom.

"As part of a school-based volunteer requirement, I worked at an institution for children and adults with severe intellectual disabilities. This experience was the impetus for 33 years of work dedicated to understanding and supporting people with disabilities."

Mahon says his volunteer experience and subsequent career in disability studies had a significant influence on his philosophy of education.

"In keeping with that philosophy, it is my goal to ensure that during my tenure as President and continuing thereafter, each of our U of L students has an opportunity to complete at least one community-based experience during their undergraduate program.

"We are committed to building a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ culture that promotes social responsibility and community engagement. We have an obligation to give back to the community that supports us, and our students have an obligation to give back to the community that welcomes them and enables their education."

Mahon to be installed as sixth U of L President

trevor.kenney — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:01:34 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is readying to install its sixth President, Friday, Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness.

Dr. Michael J. Mahon will be officially installed as the new President and Vice-Chancellor by the Hon. Catherine Fraser, the Chief Justice of the Province of Alberta.

The ceremony is free and open to the public with doors to the 1st Choice Savings Centre opening at 1 p.m. Many ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ offices will close at 1:45 p.m. to allow staff to attend this historical event. Classes, meanwhile, will continue as scheduled.

Those unable to attend the ceremony can watch the event online via live videostreaming by following this link.

An accomplished kinesiology researcher, Dr. Mahon holds a PhD in Education from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an MSc in Physical Education from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta and a Bachelor of Physical Education from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manitoba.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Man., Mahon began his academic career at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manitoba in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation Studies in 1987. During his tenure there he served as Director of the Health, Leisure and Human Performance Research Institute for six years. He joined the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta in 2000 and served two terms as the Dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation.

His current research is in the field of adapted physical activity with an emphasis on intellectual disability and sport for development.

A complete biography is available at this website.

Mahon succeeds Dr. Bill Cade, who served the previous 10 years as President and Vice-Chancellor.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ readies to install President

trevor.kenney — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:14:52 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is readying to install its sixth President, Friday, Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness.

Dr. Michael J. Mahon will be officially installed as the new President and Vice-Chancellor by the Hon. Catherine Fraser, the Chief Justice of the Province of Alberta.

Those unable to attend the ceremony can watch the event online via live videostreaming by following this link.

His current research is in the field of adapted physical activity with an emphasis on intellectual disability and sport for development.

A complete biography is available at this website.

Mahon succeeds Dr. Bill Cade, who served the previous 10 years as President and Vice-Chancellor.

Mahon appointed as 6th U of L President

trevor.kenney — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:09:42 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors has appointed Dr. Michael J. (Mike) Mahon as the 6th President of The U of L.

His appointment takes effect July 1, 2010. Mahon succeeds Dr. Bill Cade, who held the position from 2000 and wraps up his tenure in 2010 to return to research and teaching.

Mahon (pronounced "Man") is a long-time Alberta resident, former Manitoban and currently Dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta in Edmonton Alberta, where he has just completed a second term.

He is a vigorous proponent of physical activity for people of every age and ability and specializes in research focused on adapted physical activity with an emphasis on older individuals and persons with intellectual disabilities.

As well, he is working on several projects that bring a research focus to how sports and play can help children in developing countries by working with, and conducting research for, the Canadian Special Olympics organization and "Right to Play," a group which supplies sports equipment and support to children in developing countries.

Mahon holds a PhD in Education from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master of Science in Physical Education from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta and a Bachelor of Physical Education from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manitoba.

"We were looking for an individual who would not only embrace the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's ideals as a community of scholars and leaders, but who could also continue to engage our students and the broader community on a regional, national and international scale," said Bob Turner, the Chair of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors.

"Dr. Mahon has a unique combination of skills and a proven research, community service and administrative track record in Manitoba and Alberta which gives us a high level of confidence that he can continue his approachable style of leadership at the U of L."

Mahon began his academic career at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manitoba in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation Studies in 1987.

During his tenure there he served as Director of the Health, Leisure and Human Performance Research Institute for five years and as Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs for three years. He joined the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta in 2000.

"I had always heard good things about the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, but as I got more involved in the selection process for the presidency, it became apparent to me that there was a real vibrancy to the people and the research," Mahon said.

"The U of L has also managed to grow to become a comprehensive research university without losing sight of its undergraduate students and their experiences, and that is extremely important."

He added that as he and his spouse Maureen, an educator and university lecturer/researcher who specializes in early childhood development issues, met more people from the community and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, it further solidified their decision to accept the position.

"We came away from our meetings quite energized, especially about the way in which the members of the selection committee and others we met welcomed both of us. Everyone was quite personable, welcoming and hospitable. This was also an opportunity to stay in Alberta, and live in a geographically unique environment that is close to the mountains."

The Mahons have three adult children, who are all either completing university studies in Edmonton or working full time.

Being the president of the U of L has been a lot of work but an incredible experience, current U of L President Bill Cade said.

"We have spent a considerable amount of time and effort refocusing the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ as a comprehensive research institution, growing our campus, expanding our programs and enrolments, reaching out to the community and telling our story to Alberta, Canada and many parts of the world. I am very proud of all the people who have helped with that process, and who keep the U of L 'running' both academically and operationally."

"I am confident that Dr. Mahon will come to work after July 1, 2010 to find the people and resources in place to ensure the sustainability and continued success of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge -- among them a solid strategic plan, community support and engaged students. Elsa and I wish Mike, Maureen and their family well as they embark on this wonderful new opportunity."

Cade will take an administrative leave and return to research and possibly teaching duties. He is a zoologist/entomologist by profession and has maintained an active international research program, including the supervision of postdoctoral fellows and research students during his time as President.

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