Dr. Digvir S. Jayas
ULethbridge’s 7th President and Vice-Chancellor
Dr. Digvir S. Jayas will begin the role of president & vice-chancellor of the University of Lethbridge on July 1, 2023.
Born and raised in India, Dr. Jayas earned a Bachelor of Agricultural Engineering at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, and went on to complete a graduate degree and PhD in agricultural engineering at the Universities of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, respectively. He began teaching at University of Manitoba in 1985, eventually ascending to the position of Vice-President (Research and International), which he held for 12 years.
An internationally renowned researcher, Dr. Jayas studies the drying, handling and storing of grains and oilseeds, and digital image processing for grading and processing operations in the agri-food industry. From 2002 to 2009, he was a Tier I Canada Research Chair in Stored-Grain Ecosystems, and in 2009 was inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. In 2018, Dr. Jayas was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada. He is the 2023 recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration in Manitoba.
Married to his wife Manju for 40 years, they have three sons and five grandchildren, all living in Winnipeg.
Save the date!
The official presidential installation will take place as part of Fall 2023 convocation celebrations on October 13 and 14, 2023.
Words from the Search Committee
As Chair of the presidential search committee, I was thrilled with how committee members who brought different perspectives came together with an approach that focused on who would be the best person for our University as a whole. We know Dr. Jayas is that person.
Dr. Jayas is the right person to help us to build relationships and move forward as a community.
Dean Gallimore (BMgt ’84)
Chair, ULethbridge Board of Governors
Dr. Jayas has a research CV that is truly unparalleled. He has extensive evidence of strong leadership in a research portfolio, including bringing his research to the community in a meaningful way, and developing skills and strengths in others. Dr. Jayas has what the University needs to take us to the next level.
Dr. Jacqueline Rice
Dean, School of Graduate Studies & Postdoctoral Affairs
Associate Vice-President (Research)
Dr. Jayas is very connected with the communities he works with and has important global experience. He has a very strong commitment to reconciliation, equity, diversity and inclusion. He inspires colleagues to work together. I believe he has the strength, knowledge and education to bring together a team of highly professional people who will lead the university today and into tomorrow.
Taatsiikiipoyii (Talks in the Middle) Charles Weaselhead
Chancellor, University of Lethbridge
Dr. Jayas is an outstanding scholar, teacher and researcher. His leadership experience is varied and at every level successful. At every appointment, he has managed to create new programming, new successes and expanded the financial success of the unit he was leading. He did this with an open and collaborative leadership style, engaging faculty, staff and students, and showing great courage in confronting difficulties.
Dr. Robert Sutherland
Professor and Chair, Department of Neuroscience
Director, Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience
Dr. Jayas is very committed to students. He has a strong understanding that the student experience is based on opportunities, recognizing that opportunities to learn outside the classroom will produce graduates that are well rounded and respected in their fields. Dr. Jayas is a visionary individual who will bring a lot of fresh insights, new ideas and new approaches that I’m excited to see in action on our campus.
Lauren Zink, PhD Candidate
President, Graduate Students’ Association
Thank you
“I would like to extend my most sincere thanks to the members of presidential search committee for their dedication and commitment to this important work, and to all who participated in the community consultation process.”
Dean Gallimore (BMgt ’84)
Chair, ULethbridge Board of Governors