President & Vice-Chancellor

Welcome to Yukon University, Canada’s first university north of 60!

Dr. Lesley Brown

I gratefully acknowledge the 14 First Nations in the Yukon on whose traditional lands we live, learn and share knowledge.

Yukon University is poised to take a place amongst Canada’s league of universities and contribute to the quest for truth, for understanding, and for a more just society—a quest that we embark upon in the name of a kinder future and a better Canada. I am excited to lead YukonU as we grow into our new role of being Yukon’s university.

As the only post-secondary institution in the territory, our programming encompasses degrees, diplomas, certificates, trades and vocational training and adult basic education. This model of education allows us to respond to a breadth of education needs. We are proud to offer a place and a pathway for every learner to succeed.

Our research and programming focus areas in climate change, sustainable resource development and Indigenous governance and self-determination are critically important issues—both locally and globally. Grounded firmly in the North, our experience, our knowledge and our voice are vital to Canada and the world. As Yukon’s university, we will do our part to build a healthy and prosperous tomorrow for Canada’s North and its people.

Thank you for taking the time to visit us; I am so proud to welcome you to Yukon University.

Shä̀w níthän | Gùnáłchîsh | Mähsi’cho | Merci | Thank you

Dr. Lesley Brown
President and Vice-Chancellor
Yukon University

Biography

Dr. Lesley Brown is the President and Vice-Chancellor of Yukon University.   She is an experienced senior academic leader, having served in a number of administrative roles including Provost and Vice-President Academic at Mount Royal University, and Vice-Provost Academic, Vice-President Research (interim) and Associate Vice-President Research at the University of Lethbridge.

In addition to being a proven leader, Dr. Brown is an accomplished scholar in the field of Kinesiology, with a research specialization in balance and fall prevention in the elderly and people with Parkinson’s disease. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Fulbright Canada, the University of the Arctic and the Board of Directors for the Arctic Winter Games to be held in Whitehorse, Yukon in 2026.

Brown holds a PhD in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo, a Master of Human Kinetics in Biomechanics from the University of Windsor and a Bachelor of Physical Education from McMaster University. Dr. Brown was installed as the 8th President and Vice-Chancellor of Yukon University in May 2022.
 

Statements by the President