Dr. Rhonda Koster Named Lakehead’s Deputy Provost, Academic Affairs

Lakehead University has appointed Dr. Rhonda Koster as Deputy Provost, Academic Affairs, a new role within the Office of the Provost.

“In this role, Dr. Koster will provide close strategic and operational support while working collaboratively with academic units across the University to advance institutional academic priorities and initiatives,” says Dr. Gillian Balfour, Provost and Vice-President (Academic).

Dr. Koster will continue to support the Provost’s portfolio by overseeing academic program quality and advancing excellence in teaching and learning across the university. She’ll also lead several strategic academic priorities identified in the university’s strategic plan, such as the integration of GenAI in teaching and learning, strengthening academic integrity, expanding college transfer pathways and partnerships, and developing a continuing education framework.

Dr. Koster’s connection to Lakehead spans two decades. Joining the School of Outdoor Recreation in 2004, she spent 8 years as a faculty member before transitioning to the director role in 2012. Since then, she’s held other leadership roles across the university, including Graduate Coordinator of the Master of Environmental Science in Nature-based Recreation Tourism (MES-NBRT) program, Director of the Instructional Development Centre, Assistant Dean and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, and, since 2019, Deputy Provost and Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning).

“I want to express my gratitude to Dr. Balfour and everyone involved in the search process,” says Dr. Koster. “The feedback shared by colleagues truly means the world to me and I am excited to take on the expanded role of the Deputy Provost Academic Affairs. Lakehead’s commitment to academic excellence, collaborative governance, and meaningful reconciliation is something I am incredibly proud to be a part of. I look forward to continuing to work with our fantastic faculty and staff to support our students and drive our institutional priorities forward.”

Beyond her leadership roles, Dr. Koster has made significant contributions to university governance through service on Senate committees and academic working groups. She’s championed academic excellence through a strong focus on program quality and curriculum development. She’s been a driving force behind teaching and learning innovation, providing leadership to the Instructional Development Centre and Teaching Commons. In these roles, she’s supported faculty development in areas such as accessibility, inclusive pedagogy, and emerging issues such as generative artificial intelligence in education.

“We are confident that Dr. Koster’s expertise, sound judgment, and commitment to academic excellence will continue to serve the University well in this role,” Dr. Balfour says.

Dr. Koster will begin her role on July 1, 2026.