Past University of Regina Presidents
Dr. Vianne Timmons, OC
2008-2020
Dr. Timmons became the University’s seventh President and Vice-Chancellor in 2008 after serving as Vice-President (Academic Development) at the University of Prince Edward Island. A distinguished researcher in the areas of disability studies and family literacy, she maintained an active research program during her tenure as President. Under her leadership, the University greatly expanded its international enrolments and supports for students with disabilities, and revitalized the historic College Avenue campus to serve future generations of students. She later went on to be President of Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Dr. R. James Tomkins
2007-2008
Dr. Tomkins, a longtime mathematics professor and administrator at the University of Regina, had roots at the institution that predated its 1974 transition from a campus of the University of Saskatchewan to an independent degree-granting University. He was an alumnus of the University of Saskatchewan – Regina Campus, and as a high school student literally helped build the foundation for the main campus when he worked for a concrete company laying the footings for the buildings on what was then a new campus. After serving as the University’s sixth President and Vice-President during a transitional period for the institution, Dr. Tomkins then served two terms as Chancellor.
Mr. Robert E. Hawkins
2005-2006
A respected historian and legal scholar, Mr. Hawkins served as Vice-President (Academic and Research) at Nipissing University prior to becoming the University of Regina’s fifth President and Vice-Chancellor. As President, he eliminated the University’s operating deficit, brought a comprehensive capital campaign to a successful conclusion, and secured funding to construct the Research and Innovation Centre. After serving as President, he became a Professor of Law at the University’s Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, and served multiple terms as a member of Regina City Council.
Dr. David T. Barnard
1998-2005
A computer scientist who also had a Diploma of Christian Studies and a Master of Laws, Dr. Barnard came to the University of Regina as a versatile scholar and experienced administrator. He served for two years as the University’s Vice-President (Administration) and Controller before becoming the institution’s fourth President and Vice-Chancellor. During his time as President, he oversaw construction of several new facilities, including two dormitories and a new gymnasium that were a legacy of the University’s having helped host the 2005 Canada Summer Games. After leaving the University of Regina, Dr. Barnard then worked in the private sector for three years before serving for more than a decade as President of the University of Manitoba.
Dr. Donald O. Wells
1990-1998
Dr. Wells, a Stanford-educated nuclear physicist and experienced administrator who had most recently been President of Mount Allison University, served the University of Regina’s third President and Vice-Chancellor. During his tenure as President, he placed a strong emphasis on enhancing the University’s relationship with community organizations, and he was instrumental in the development of the Dr. William Riddell Centre, which housed many of the institution’s student support programs. Dr. Wells retired to Nova Scotia, where he was later involved in establishing and overseeing a hospice care facility. He passed away on July 22, 2023.
Dr. Lloyd I. Barber, CC SOM
1976-1990
Dr. Lloyd Barber, the University of Regina’s second President and Vice-Chancellor, was also the institution’s longest-serving President. A former Dean of Commerce and Vice-President at the University of Saskatchewan, he was a natural choice to lead the University of Regina through much of its formative early years. As Indian Claims Commissioner for Canada, he was a strong advocate for Indigenous education and self-determination, and under his leadership the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (now First Nations University of Canada) came into existence at the University. Also under his leadership, the University became one of the first North American universities to develop academic partnerships with institutions in China – helping pave the way for closer diplomatic relations between Canada and China at the national level. Dr. Barber passed away in 2011.
Dr. John H. Archer
1974-1976
The University of Regina’s first President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. John Archer, served in the Second World War before embarking on a career in the public service as Saskatchewan’s Legislative Librarian and Provincial Archivist. In 1970, he was named Principal of the University of Saskatchewan – Regina Campus, and four years later, he was appointed the inaugural President of the newly independent University of Regina. After leading the University for its first two years of existence, he retired from the role and continued to serve in the Department of History as a professor of western Canadian history. Dr. Archer passed away in 2004.
Past Principals of the University of Saskatchewan – Regina Campus
Dr. John H. Archer
1970-1974
As noted above, Dr. John Archer served as Principal of the University of Saskatchewan – Regina campus for four years before becoming the first President and Vice-Chancellor of the newly formed University of Regina.
Dr. William Riddell, OC SOM
1961-1969
Dr. William Riddell had a long and distinguished career at what would ultimately become the University of Regina. After completing a doctorate in Chemistry and Biology at Stanford in 1931, he taught chemistry at Regina College until 1935 before taking up positions with the Fisheries Research Board of Canada in British Columbia and then the Provincial Laboratory of Saskatchewan. He returned to Regina College in 1950 as Dean, and was subsequently named Principal in 1961 when Regina College earned degree-granting status as the University of Saskatchewan – Regina campus. Over the next decade, under his leadership the first buildings on the “new campus” were constructed, and student enrolments at the Regina campus increased tenfold – helping set the stage for the eventual decision to make the University of Regina an independent university. After retiring as Principal, Dr. Riddell continued to serve the University in various capacities, and wrote several books on Saskatchewan’s history. He passed away in 2000.