University of Lethbridge Board of Governors Appoints Dr. Michael Mahon as 6th
U of L President, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, 2 p.m.

LETHBRIDGE, AB, Dec. 17 /CNW/ - The University of Lethbridge Board of Governors has appointed Dr. Michael J. (Mike) Mahon as the 6th President of The U of L effective July 1, 2010 .

Mahon succeeds Dr. Bill Cade , who held the position from 2000 and wraps up his tenure in June, 2010 to return to research and teaching.

Mahon (pronounced "Man") is a long-time Alberta resident, former Manitoban and currently Dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation at the University of Alberta in Edmonton Alberta, where he has just completed a second term.

He is a vigorous proponent of physical activity for people of every age and ability and specializes in research focused on adapted physical activity with an emphasis on older individuals and persons with intellectual disabilities.

As well, he has worked with, and conducted research for, the Canadian Special Olympics organization and "Right to Play," a group which supplies sports equipment and support to children in developing countries.

Mahon holds a PhD in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master of Science in Physical Education from the University of Alberta and a Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Manitoba.

"We were looking for an individual who would not only embrace the University's ideals as a community of scholars and leaders, but who could also continue to engage our students and the broader community on a regional, national and international scale," said Bob Turner , the Chair of the University of Lethbridge Board of Governors.

" Dr. Mahon has a unique combination of skills and a proven research, community service and administrative track record in Manitoba and Alberta which gives us a high level of confidence that he can continue his approachable style of leadership at the U of L."

Mahon began his academic career at the University of Manitoba in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation Studies in 1987. During his tenure there he served as Director of the Health, Leisure and Human Performance Research Institute for six years and as Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs for three years. He joined the University of Alberta in 2000.

"I had always heard good things about the University of Lethbridge, but as I got more involved in the selection process for the presidency, it became apparent to me that there was a real vibrancy to the people and the research," Mahon said. "The U of L has also managed to grow to become a comprehensive research university without losing sight of its undergraduate students and their experiences, and that is extremely important."

A brief biography of Dr. Michael J. Mahon is available on the University of Lethbridge website http://www.uleth.ca.

For further information: Bob Cooney, Communications Officer, Media Relations, [phone] cell phone/media calls, [phone] office/voicemail, e-mail: [email protected]; U of L website: http://www.uleth.ca/unews