I am privileged to serve as the acting president of the University of New Brunswick and welcome the opportunity to introduce myself and to connect with our alumni community during this important leadership transition.

I want to begin by recognizing and thanking former president and vice chancellor Dr. Paul J. Mazerolle for his leadership. Paul left UNB in a position of strength, having helped build momentum in teaching, research and establishing strong partnerships, all of which created significant and lasting impact. I am committed to maintaining this positive momentum as we respond to the current realities facing postsecondary education to ensure UNB is in the best possible position to welcome the 20th president and vice chancellor.

I am assuming this role at a time when universities are facing significant change, both here in New Brunswick and around the world. Yet change is something UNB understands deeply and can create opportunities for transformation. As Canada’s first English-language university, we have a long history of adapting to — and often leading — periods of technological, social and economic transformation. Today, we continue to build on that strong foundation, and I want to assure our alumni that the university remains focused and prepared to move ahead with purpose.

This issue’s theme — artificial intelligence — is a powerful example of how UNB is engaging with change thoughtfully and responsibly. Across our campuses, innovative teaching practices, research projects and operational initiatives are already using AI to advance learning and discovery.

At the same time, we recognize the importance of clear guidance and shared principles. That’s why UNB’s Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee (AIAC) has been working collaboratively on a university-wide approach to support responsible use of AI — one that is grounded in academic integrity, human judgment and the public good.

The AIAC committee has launched a new AI Guidance & Resources hub that provides a central place for students, faculty and staff to explore principles, guidelines and learning opportunities.

This work reflects collaboration across the university and the commitment of the UNB community to using emerging technologies with care and integrity. UNB is deeply personal to me. I am a proud alumna, having earned two degrees here, and I quite literally grew up on the Fredericton campus while my father was a professor of civil engineering. Over more than 30 years working at UNB in a variety of roles, I have seen firsthand the remarkable impact our graduates make across our province, our country and the world.

I am genuinely excited to meet alumni during my time as acting president and look forward to hearing your stories about UNB.

The future of our university remains bright, thanks in large part to the commitment of our more than 100,000 alumni. I am deeply grateful for your pride in this university and your enduring connection to our community.

Proudly UNB,

Dr. Kathy Wilson
(RN, BN’87, MN, PhD’08)
Acting President and Vice Chancellor