“Debra has the diverse experience and leadership qualities we were looking for,” said Stoicheff. “As vice-president university relations, she will spend much of her time connecting with our alumni, donors and the broader community throughout the province, and we are delighted to bring someone of her calibre to the University of Saskatchewan.”
Pozega Osburn will officially assume the role on October 1, 2016.
“I am eager to join the outstanding leadership team at the University of Saskatchewan,” said Pozega Osburn. “I admire and respect the university’s strong connection with the people of the city, the region and the province. I’m especially looking forward to working closely with our community partners, our alumni and supporters to enhance those relationships for the betterment of the academic mission of the University of Saskatchewan.”
Pozega Osburn is currently the vice-president university relations at the University of Alberta, a position she has held for the past six years. She has also served in leadership roles at Michigan State University, practiced as a partner at a communications consulting firm and worked as a journalist in roles ranging from reporter to city editor.
“The position of vice-president university relations is such an important part of our institution’s leadership team and I know Debra will be able to take the U of S to new heights in regards to our external relationships,” said Stoicheff. “The search for our vice-president university relations was national and international in scope, and I couldn’t be more confident in our choice.”
Search consultant Boyden assisted with the search, and an advisory committee of individuals across campus and beyond brought a wide variety of perspectives to the process.
Pozega Osburn holds a PhD in American studies from Michigan State University. Her time spent working in post-secondary education has focused on a range of activities, from marketing, communications, media relations and public affairs to government relations and community relations, alumni relations, and fund development. She has a passion for the connections between universities and the communities they serve.
The position of vice-president university relations replaces the vice-president advancement and community engagement, a position that was vacant prior to this appointment.
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For more information, contact:
Jennifer Thoma
Media Relations Specialist
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-1851
jennifer.thoma@usask.ca