Julia Christensen Hughes, founding dean of the University of Guelph's Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics, has been named president of Canada’s largest private university.
She is the new president of Yorkville University, which offers in-person and online programs at campuses in Toronto, Vancouver and Fredericton, N.B, and will begin her new role on July 1.
Christensen Hughes will serve at the U of G as an adjunct professor to advance research on integrity challenges and assessment of business school rankings while also addressing critical issues facing scholars and students, says the U of G.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for Dr. Christensen Hughes, whose leadership and contributions to U of G are well known, particularly as dean of the Lang School of Business and Economics,” said Gwen Chapman, vice-president of U of G, in a press release.
“Her leadership was critical to establishing the school and building its strengths, focus and reputation leading up its being named as the Lang School and preparing for its successful accreditation. She is a dynamic, passionate, innovative and entrepreneurial leader – ideal for the role of president of Yorkville University.”
Christensen Hughes was first named dean of the Lang School in 2009. She completed two five-year terms that concluded in 2019. She was known for her enthusiasm, energy and commitment, especially for establishing the Lang School as a leader in sustainable business education.
She as a faculty member at the U of G since 1987 and served as director of U of G’s teaching support services for 10 years. She was also president of the society for teaching and learning in higher education and was appointed chair of the department of business in 2007.
Christensen Hughes received the University’s John Bell Award for outstanding educational leadership and the Edward F. Sheffield Award for research excellence.
“I have had a wonderfully rich and fulfilling career at the University of Guelph and will forever hold Guelph and the Lang School of Business and Economics in my heart,” Christensen Hughes said in a press release.
“And while I have accepted an opportunity too exciting to pass up, I will be continuing collaborations with Guelph faculty, graduate students and others in support of my ongoing research projects.”
