Prince George, B.C. – A Canadian historian and award-winning academic leader with extensive experience in post-secondary education, strategic planning and community engagement will be the University of Northern British Columbia’s new Provost and Vice President Academic. Dr. Michel S. Beaulieu will join UNBC on Oct. 4.

“Throughout the selection process, Dr. Beaulieu demonstrated a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead as UNBC works to expand educational pathways for students and empower communities across northern B.C. He brings a wealth of experience in academic leadership, innovative program development and relationship-building to advance this work,” says UNBC President Dr. Geoff Payne. “I want to thank the selection committee for the time and effort they put into this robust search and I’m especially grateful to Dr. Bill Owen for his dedicated leadership in the interim role.”

Beaulieu comes to UNBC from Lakehead University, where he has served as Associate Vice-Provost (Academic) since 2019. In that role, he has provided strategic direction for building academic and non-academic programs; supported the administration of academic affairs and operations at Lakehead’s campuses and partner institutions; and fostered meaningful engagement with the broader communities of Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ont.

Over the course of his 20-year career at Lakehead, he held numerous leadership roles, including Chair of the Department of History, Coordinator of Interdisciplinary Programs in Northern Studies and Director of two research centres. He also served extensively on university governance bodies.

Beaulieu’s approach to leadership is grounded in collaboration, accountability and community engagement.

“UNBC’s bold vision to reimagine education, research and learning in the face of a changing future resonates deeply with my commitment to fostering inclusive, innovative and impactful opportunities,” says Dr. Beaulieu. “I look forward to connecting with, listening to and working alongside UNBC’s students, faculty, staff and community partners to provide exceptional learning experiences and further enhance the University’s role as a leader in academic excellence.”

A History Professor, Beaulieu has published widely on the social, economic and political history of northern Ontario and much of his scholarly work has been dedicated to ensuring the voices and experiences of those living in rural and remote regions are not overlooked. His contributions to higher education, public and community and inclusive leadership have been recognized with numerous honours, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal and the Ontario Historical Society’s Cruikshank Gold Medal.

A first-generation university graduate, Beaulieu holds a PhD in History from Queen’s University, a Master of Arts in History and two undergraduate degrees from Lakehead, as well as a Certificate in Museum Studies from the Ontario Museum Association. He holds academic appointments at both the University of Helsinki and University of Oulu in Finland, is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (UK) and serves as Honorary Colonel of the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment.