Image: UFV

By Mike Vanden Bosch

University of the Fraser Valley

UFV names its next president and vice-chancellor

Mar 26, 2025 | 10:28 AM

ABBOTSFORD — Following an extensive and thorough executive search, the University of the Fraser Valley has named Dr. James Mandigo as next president and vice-chancellor.

According to a news release, Dr. Mandigo will succeed Dr. Joanne MacLean, who will retire in June.

Mandigo, currently UFV’s Provost and VP Academic, served as acting president in 2023, and guided the university through a challenging time of transition post-COVID with his calm and level-headed leadership.

“James is a passionate educator and the UFV Board of Governors views him as the ideal person to lead UFV into the future,” Board Chair John Pankratz said. “Building on the steady foundation that Dr. MacLean has created, we believe Dr. Mandigo will provide strong, strategic direction as the university continues to realize its vast potential.”

Before coming to UFV in 2019, he held leadership roles at Brock University, including vice-provost, interim dean, and associate dean. He was also co-director for the Faculty of Health Sciences’ research Centre for Healthy Development through Sport and Physical Activity and held a faculty appointment in the Department of Kinesiology.

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Mandigo holds a PhD from the University of Alberta in Physical Education and Recreation, a Master of Arts in Child and Development Studies from Laurentian University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education from Wilfrid Laurier University.

As a prolific researcher, Mandigo has published 45 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and a book (Healthy schools, healthy Futures). He’s conducted workshops with educators and practitioners worldwide on topics including student-centred pedagogy, life skills education, physical literacy, and sport for development and peace. His work has been funded by organizations including the Social Science and Humanities Research Council, the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Studies Centre, and Scotiabank International.

Mandigo received a Distinguished Teaching award and a Teaching Excellence award at Brock and was officially recognized by the government of El Salvador for his research and development work. He is a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Physical and Health Education Canada’s most prestigious honour.

Mandigo played a critical role in developing and implementing UFV’s Strategic Plan and Strategic Enrolment Management Plan and recent strategy for the redevelopment of the Mission campus. He has worked closely with MacLean, who fully supports his candidacy for the role of president.

Amid UFV’s 50th anniversary, Dr. MacLean remains assured that Mandigo will carry the momentum as the university strives to engage learners, transform lives and build a stronger community.

“James is personable and warm, with a knack for connecting with people and making them feel heard,” MacLean observed. “This is an essential skill for a leader, particularly at UFV where collaborative work is so important. James also has a keen mind for strategic thinking, and I know he has great ideas in mind for the university’s future.”

Mandigo is supported by his family – Karen, Ben, Nathan, and Lillian – as he steps into this new role.