Dr. Van Lantz is the inaugural vice provost academic administration at UNB. In his new role he oversees UNB’s academic planning processes, academic quality assurance & accreditation, academic instructor contracts, and faculty labour relations.
Prior to this appointment, Dr. Lantz has served as Acting Associate Vice-President Academic (Learning Environment) on the Fredericton campus since 2020, and dean of forestry and environmental management from 2013-2020. He has served twice as UNB’s Lead Negotiator in collective bargaining with the full-time faculty union, and has chaired several presidential task forces to enhance university policies and procedures.
Dr. Lantz remains an active researcher and scholar in forest and environmental economics having supervised numerous graduate students and secured significant funding for his research program. Dr. Lantz is a strong relationship-builder and has inspired teams by being empathetic and results-oriented.
The Office of the Vice Provost Academic Administration provides leadership and oversight for UNB's academic employee lifecycle processes, academic program planning and modifications, quality assurance, labour relations, and other related projects to ensure successful academic operations.
To drive academic excellence by ensuring high-quality program planning and development, effective faculty labour relations, and the smooth transitioning of academic members throughout their employment lifecycle.
We aim to create a supportive and collaborative work environment for academic members and their programs to help the University thrive.
Collaboration: at the VPAA office means interdisciplinary innovation, shared knowledge, and collective problem-solving, ensuring that faculty and staff work together to enhance academic excellence. By prioritizing collaboration, the office strengthens institutional One-UNB vision.
Integrity: Commitment to ethical principles, transparency, and accountability in all academic and administrative practices. This applies to all day-to-day decision-making, communication, and the stewardship of academic programs and policies.
Accuracy and consistency: Attention to detail reflects a commitment to precision, consistency, and thoroughness in all academic and administrative processes. It ensures that procedures and policies are continuously reviewed for quality and effectiveness.
Efficiency: This value reflects our optimization of time, resources, and processes to deliver high-quality academic services and outcomes. It reflects a commitment to streamlining operations and ensuring that every action contributes meaningfully to the UNB’s academic mission.
Accountability: Accountability for us means taking ownership of decisions, actions, and outcomes to uphold the university’s academic mission and values. It involves being answerable to faculty, staff, administration, and the broader UNB community.
Contact the office: academic_admin@unb.ca.
