UNews - ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of North Carolina

New Mahon on campus

trevor.kenney — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 18:43:07 +0000

Once a week, a young Mike Mahon (pronounced Man) would catch the bus in his hometown of Winnipeg, Man., ride across the city and head to the swimming pool or gymnasium to work with people with intellectual disabilities.

The volunteer experience was part of a community-service expectation mandated by his high school, but Mahon wasn't there simply to earn credit. Having grown up in a household that valued community engagement, the idea of volunteerism was second nature, and he took to it innately.

"Growing up, that was just what I was exposed to, so the whole idea of volunteering just became a part of who we were as a family," says Mahon. "There was this fundamental belief that volunteering was an important part of living in a community."

New ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President Dr. Mike Mahon.

Mahon had no idea at that time this early community service opportunity would have such an influence over his future career. It would shape his graduate studies, research and now, as the new president of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, it continues to resonate.

Born in Manitoba, Mahon grew up with four siblings in a house that teemed with activity. A self-described sports junkie, he played a little of everything and eventually was a two-sport (football and track) student-athlete at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manitoba. After completing a bachelor's degree in physical education, he moved on to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta (MSc in Physical Education) and then the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (PhD in Education) for his graduate and doctoral studies respectively.

"When I started thinking about what I would do with my master's degree, I did look back to that first experience," says Mahon. "It had a tremendous amount of influence from a career perspective."

His research, which focuses on adapted physical activity with an emphasis on older individuals and persons with intellectual disabilities, has garnered a number of honours, including: Fellow of the Academy of Leisure Sciences (2001); Award of Distinction from the Canadian Centre on Disability Studies (2000); the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manitoba Rh Award for Outstanding Contributions to Interdisciplinary Scholarship and Research (1995).

The Presidential couple, Mike and Maureen Mahon.

Mahon has since become a vigorous proponent of physical activity for people of every age and ability. Most recently, he has been working on several projects that bring a research focus to how sports and play can help children in developing countries. In that context he has been involved with Right to Play as well as Play Around the World, groups that supply sports equipment and programming support to children in developing countries.

He says the opportunity to conduct research with these organizations, as well as become involved on a volunteer basis, is particularly rewarding.

"The people I've known who have become volunteers have really, in the end, got more out of the experience themselves than they feel they've given," says Mahon.

His academic career has virtually mirrored the path he took as a student, beginning at Manitoba before transitioning to the U of A where he spent two terms as the dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation prior to his coming to the U of L.

His arrival in Lethbridge appears to be a case of right Mahon, right time. Family, community and developing an atmosphere for growth of the entire person are some of the ideals that Mahon brings to the U of L.

As the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ looks forward, Mahon sees its growth achieved through a learning environment that is dedicated to social responsibility and community engagement; that is dedicated to building a comprehensive university across the broad academy of disciplines; that is dedicated to creating a person-first university environment for staff and faculty; and that is centrally focused on a student-first attitude.

Mahon recognizes he has inherited a confident and forward-thinking institution, and he looks to build off that foundation as he introduces new initiatives. He says, for example, that as much as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and its students are already agents of influence in southern Alberta, there is opportunity to expand the impact the U of L has on society by formalizing its community outreach initiatives.

"Liberal education is about presenting students with an expansive opportunity of academic experience," he says. "I'd like to think that part of that experience could be about being in the community and taking that liberal education concept that much further."

Mahon looks to the example his parents, who were involved community members, provided as he grew up, and the opportunities he had to explore and understand community engagement. As part of his future plan for the U of L, Mahon proposes introducing a framework whereby students earn academic credit for volunteerism.

"I think this is a tremendous gift that we can give our students," he says. "Having volunteer experience within the context of education is, on one level, a way that institutions can connect with and give back to the community, but on another level, it's a wonderful way to help our students expand their horizons."

Kristi Legge's Dance Group Performers, ranging from Grade 6 to university students, were among the highlights at the Presidential Installation.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, having prospered under the leadership of former President Dr. Bill Cade, is emerging from its history as a primarily undergraduate university into a comprehensive institution that fully embraces a research culture, and is rapidly expanding its graduate studies opportunities.

"What I see is the continued integration of teaching and research, both at the undergraduate and graduate level. The U of L has always had a unique approach to engaging undergraduates in research, and that's something we will continue to do," says Mahon. "As we move forward, we must use our experience and commitment to excellence in undergraduate education as a springboard for the development of and improved access to graduate-level programming."

The opportunities for expansion, he says, are numerous, with a track record of success already established.

"We have developed internationally recognized strengths in the areas of neuroscience, epigenetics and water research, and we've more recently moved into the study of demographics and population with the creation of the Prentice Institute," says Mahon. "Now we're searching for our next niche research areas that we can build capacity in, and how they will also integrate with our academic programs, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels."

The recent opening of Markin Hall, a building that houses the Faculties of Health Sciences and Management, provides a fertile ground for collaborative research efforts, and is a perfect example of the interdisciplinary focus at the U of L. Simply by putting talented minds together, it creates a conversation from which great synergies can emerge.

"Markin Hall is going to be very much like the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building (AWESB)," he says. "When you bring people from different, yet related, disciplines together under the same roof, you start to see some interesting areas of research develop."

Mahon recognizes that the U of L can only move forward with a people-first, student-first approach. It begins by creating an atmosphere where a positive work/life balance is celebrated.

"I want to see us build an institution that is committed to people and to creating that balance for our people, and that means students, staff and faculty. If I'm not a role model on that front, it's hard to preach that this is a direction we should go," says Mahon, who is regularly spotted in the 1st Choice Savings Centre gym, beginning the day with a run on the treadmill or a workout in the weight room.

Having been on campus since July, Mahon has gained an understanding of what makes the U of L engine run – its people. He says the liberal arts ideals that founded the institution, coupled with a student-first learning environment, will continue to be central themes as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ advances.

"Whether it is in academic programs and research, how we recruit and orient our students, our class sizes, our residences, recreation and sport opportunities, health services, or the environment of our campus, we must ensure that we bring to life this concept of student-first," he says.

Part of that is recognizing and celebrating how integral a place the U of L occupies in southern Alberta.

"I've learned that the U of L is a real treasure, and it's because of our people," says Mahon. "We have staff and faculty who are committed to the success of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and to the experiences of our graduate and undergraduate students. Combine that with where we are situated, our beautiful campus, small class sizes and world-class faculty – and this is truly a premier university."

This story originally appeared in the Fall 2010 issue of SAM. For a look at the full issue of SAM in a flipbook format, follow this link.

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.

Meet the next U of L president: Dr. Mike Mahon

trevor.kenney — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 20:37:41 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will embark upon a new era in July 2010 when Dr. Michael J. (Mike) Mahon officially assumes the role of U of L president and vice-chancellor.

Poised to become the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's sixth president, Mahon will succeed Dr. Bill Cade, who has held the post since 2000.

"This is a very exciting opportunity for me and my family," says Mahon, who will come to Lethbridge with his wife, Maureen. The couple has three grown children.

"My greatest impression so far with the U of L is the people. They have been genuine, and they've really wanted to connect with Maureen and myself in a personal way, and that's fundamentally why we're so excited about this opportunity."

Mahon comes to the U of L after serving two terms as dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta. A vigorous proponent of physical activity for people of every age and ability, he 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.

An accomplished researcher, Mahon has worked with, and conducted research for, the Canadian Special Olympics organization and Right to Play, a non-profit group that supplies sports equipment and support to children in developing countries.

"I've always been interested in the extent sport and play influence the social integration and quality of life of people with disabilities," says Mahon.

His reputation as a personable, community-minded individual, coupled with an outstanding research record and proven leadership abilities made him the ideal candidate for the position.

"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," says Robert Turner, Chair of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors.

To view the entire issue of SAM in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Joining the U of L family

trevor.kenney — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 17:31:21 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge community was introduced to its next President just prior to the Christmas break, and if the enthusiastic reception he received during the announcement is any indication, Dr. Mike Mahon is a very popular selection.

The Winnipeg, Man., native and most recently Dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta, was accompanied by his wife, Maureen, as he symbolically accepted a blue Pronghorns men's hockey jersey from Dr. Bill Cade, whom he will be succeeding officially July 1, 2010.

"I don't think my heart has beaten this fast since the birth of my third child . . . and that was 20 years ago," Mahon said as he addressed a crowded Atrium. "It's good to get the heart going."

Mahon, a vigorous proponent of physical activity for people of every age and ability, would know. He 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.

The move to Lethbridge and the U of L is one he and his family are anticipating.

"A big part of making such a big decision is where you're going to live. We always said that if we were to leave the U of A, we would only go somewhere that was obviously a good fit academically but also an interesting place geographically. We see Lethbridge as fitting that bill," he says. "Living closer to the mountains is exciting because we both like to ski, we also both run and do all sorts of outdoor things so we see the U of L and Lethbridge as providing a wonderful outlet for those interests."

Mahon is quick to credit departing president Cade for the work he has directed over the previous decade and is enthused about the direction the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is headed and the blueprint laid out by the institution's strategic plan.

"I had always known the U of L as being terrific at educating undergraduate students, but I really learned over the past few months how it has emerged as a research intensive university with a commitment to moving more in that direction," Mahon says. "That's a very important direction for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and something I'm very excited about."

An accomplished researcher, Mahon has worked with, and conducted research for, the Canadian Special Olympics organization and Right to Play, a group that supplies sports equipment and support to children in developing countries.

"I've always been interested in the extent sport and play influences the social integration and quality of life of people with disabilities," he says.

His body of work has included more than 250 presentations, workshops, lectures and publications including more than 90 articles in refereed journals, book chapters and books. His wife Maureen is also a dedicated educator who specializes in early childhood development issues.

Regarded as personable and community-minded, Mahon identifies with the personal approach championed at the U of L.

"My greatest impression so far with the U of L is the people," he says. "They have been genuine and they've really wanted to connect with Maureen and myself in a personal way, and that's fundamentally why we're so excited about this opportunity."
GET THE FACTS

• Mahon and his wife Maureen have three children, Katie (23, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta graduate and assistant manager of a local Edmonton business), Brennan (21, currently studying physical education at the U of A) and Seann (20, currently pursuing a bachelor of arts at the
U of A).

• Maureen has an education degree from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of British Columbia, a master's in early childhood development from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manitoba and has worked as an early childhood consultant with the Edmonton Catholic School Board the past two years.

• Mahon says he would like to continue his research interests at the U of L but recognizes they may take a back seat as he transitions to the role of President.

• Mahon will continue to supervise his current PhD student through his defence, likely in
Dec. 2010.

• An avid sports enthusiast, Mahon says his sons will reap the benefits of his move to the
U of L. "They're pretty excited because now that I'm a Pronghorn, they get all of my Golden Bear golf shirts."

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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