UFV’s President, Dr. Joanne MacLean will be retiring after eight years of dedicated service in the position. MacLean sat down with The Cascade and reflected on some of her fondest memories, her reasons for retiring, the transition period with the next president, Dr. James Mandigo, current provost and vice president academic, and what is next for her.
Can you tell us a little bit about your decision to retire?
I feel like you get to a time and place where it’s a sweet spot to hand the leadership on to the next wave of leaders, [who] bring in new ideas, new ways of doing things and new perspectives to meet the challenges of the day.
I feel the university is about as stable right now as it could be … and I feel good about handing it over in a time when we have a wonderful group of employees and leaders here.
Do you have any fond memories from UFV?
I have watched our students get up in front of hundreds of people and speak, I have seen their activities, their work in the community, their school work, or their work in terms of their passion and interest. And I have been just unbelievably proud of the strength and ability of our students. And I mean that. That’s what it’s all about.
I’d say the next thing that goes right behind that is seeing our employees achieve the research, scholarly activity, and artistic activity that our faculty are engaged in, their passion for their work, [and] their innovative ideas around whatever it is they may be interested in.
The third thing I think that is a memory for me that I will always take away is just our work to try to establish a really well understood and embraced mission, vision, and set values for the institution.
How has the transition been like with bringing Dr. Mandigo on board as president?
I’ve been meeting with him on topics related to being the president and things that he may not [know]. Some of them he would know about, as our provost, but many of them he wouldn’t be involved in. So I’ve been having that kind of transition planning with him for months now, since even a week or two before he was announced. … I think I’ve been very fortunate that it has been a smooth transition and I have every confidence that he will step in and he will just move forward on his own.
Is there a specific organization that you would like to be part of one day?
I think there are many organizations I could see myself engaged with. Of course, there’s the whole realm of sport organizations, which has been a part of my background and a part of my passion as a human being … I believe strongly in the power of sport to help young people, and to enable them to learn so many things …I could see myself certainly getting involved there.
Over my life, people have said to me, if you weren’t doing what you’re doing now, what would you like to be doing? And I’d say when you find a really beautiful old bookstore, I’d go volunteer [there]… I don’t need to be paid for it, but I could see myself spending time surrounded by books, being in libraries [and] doing that kind of thing. There’s so many things that give me joy, and books are one of them.
What is next for you?
Right now, there are lots of personal pursuits that I have. I’m looking forward to being able to exercise in the middle of the morning, not 7:00 in the morning because it’s the only time of the day that I could fit it in.
I’ve got a plan for July, August, and September to enjoy time with my family in Ontario and in New Brunswick. And then, just making sure I’m back out this way to be a part of James’ installation as new president in October.
What final advice would you give to students?
I do truly believe that all of us — but young people in particular — [should] follow your dreams. Follow your passion, what it is that really interests you and don’t let anyone tell you that’s not the right dream or that you can’t achieve something.”
I see people who are involved in things because they feel they have to be … but I worry that there are too many people engaged in things that don’t bring them joy. That would be my advice for our students.
The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Rachel is working towards a BA with a concentration in English and Theatre. She has been employed at The Cascade since Fall 2021 as a Staff Writer and a Jr. News Editor. Currently, she is the sectional News Editor and enjoys meeting and interviewing people as well as taking long walks in nature. Rachel also likes to stay up to date on the latest trends and informs students through her fashion column entitled Campus Fashion.