Sara Daniels begins her new role as USask’s associate vice-president of government relations on March 6, bringing more than 20 years of experience working at Canadian universities and in Indigenous and provincial government positions. Daniels, who was born in Saskatchewan and grew up on Fishing Lake Métis Settlement in Alberta, also has experience working with Indigenous communities.
“Sara has a wealth of experience in both advanced education and in government, and we look forward to her providing guidance and vision for our executive leadership team,” said Debra Pozega Osburn, Vice President, University Relations. “She will work across the university and throughout our communities to help ensure productive, beneficial relationships with our government partners and stakeholders.”
Daniels comes to USask from Dalhousie University where she served as acting assistant vice-president of government relations and chief of staff to Dalhousie’s vice-president of research and innovation, after previously serving as government relations advisor and senior communications advisor. She also served as a government and corporate relations associate at the University of Alberta, and was director of the Métis Settlements Appeal Tribunal with the Government of Alberta.
“I am extremely excited to join the University of Saskatchewan,” said Daniels, who earned a master’s in political science at the University of Alberta. “I have always been a passionate advocate for higher education and for research. Universities are where amazing and important work takes place—work that helps us understand who we are, and how to face the big challenges at home and around the world. I look forward to working closely with our partners and continuing to build the university’s relationship with the city, the province and the federal government.
“The University of Saskatchewan has incredible strengths in some of the most important issues locally, nationally and globally including reconciliation, food, and water. I look forward to working with a talented team of colleagues and exceptional leaders all across campus. I can’t wait to get started.”
Reporting directly to the VP-University Relations, Daniels will work closely with the president and senior executive team, as well as deans and directors and other senior administrators throughout the university, to develop and advance government relations at all levels of the institution.