Board of Governors Membership


2022-2023 Board of Governors 

Members Elected by the Senate

FileDr Marlene Smadu, Board Chair
(Chair, Distinguished Service Award Committee)

Dr Marlene Smadu, RN (Regina Grey Nuns Hospital School of Nursing), BScN (University of Saskatchewan), MAdEd (St. Francis Xavier University), EdD (Nova Southeastern University), LLD (h.c.) (University of Calgary) and has been a registered nurse for over 45 years, serving in a variety of leadership roles in health, nursing, and education during her career. She created and served in the role of Vice-President of Quality and Transformation, Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (RQHR), 2012-2016. In this role, she led the Region’s efforts to transform the health system to one focused on quality, safety, and patient and family-centredness while reducing waste and waits. Prior to that Dr Smadu served as the Associate Dean, Southern Saskatchewan Campus and International Student Affairs for the College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan (2002-2012); Assistant Deputy Minister of Health and Principal Nursing Advisor for the Government of Saskatchewan (1998-2002); and Education Consultant and Executive Director at the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association (1992-1998). Dr. Smadu has practiced nursing in all domains (clinical, education, administration, research and policy) and in a variety of settings in Canada, Papua New Guinea, and Qatar.

Dr Smadu was elected to the Board by Senate in June 2017, having served on a number of international, national and provincial boards. She served eight years as a board member and Vice-President for the International Council of Nurses, an organization that represents 20 million nurses in over 130 countries. Dr Smadu also served as a member of the board of the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) (2010-2016), founding member of the board and chair of the Saskatchewan Health Quality Council (2002-2011), President-Elect and President of the Canadian Nurses Association (2004-2008) and co-chair of the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) National Expert Commission on the Health of the Nation and the Future of the Health System (2011-2012). In June 2013, she was awarded the Honorary Degree, Doctor of Laws, from the University of Calgary for leadership in Canadian nursing and international health care and in June 2016, she was awarded the Canadian Nurses Association Order of Merit for Nursing Policy.

Born and raised on a farm at Cupar, Saskatchewan, Dr Smadu’s involvement with the University of Regina began when she was 17 and had a summer job at the College Avenue Campus in the Extension Division, and continued through her taking a number of U of R courses over the years, supporting her husband and children through multiple degrees at the U of R, working with colleagues from a number of University of Regina faculties on interprofessional learning opportunities and research grants, and serving on the University of Regina Senate and the Board of Governors.

Dr Smadu and her husband, Dr George Smadu (BEd, BA, PGD, MEd ,PhD, U of R), have three children: Joachim, (BEd, MEd U of R) who teaches English at O’Neill High School; Zach (Honours BA, Theatre and Drama, U of T) who is an actor in Toronto; and Talitha (BA, Certificate in Public Relations, U of R) who is Communications Specialist at the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association. Son-in-law, Mitch McCloskey is a graduate from U of R Engineering, and daughter-in-law, Megan Smadu, is currently pursuing a BEd from U of R after completing a BSc (U of R) and working as an oil field geologist for many years. No doubt grand-daughter Finley Genevieve will pursue post-secondary education at the U of R! 

Photo-Adynea RussellAdynea Russell, FCPA, FCA

Adynea Russell, FCPA, FCA, is an Assurance Partner in MNP’s Regina office and has held leadership roles at the firm level, most recently as Vice-President Assurance for MNP. With more than 25 years of experience in public practice, Adynea works with private and public companies and government organizations of all sizes, conducting audits, reviews and compilations, providing tax services and helping them stay compliant. In her firm leadership roles, Adynea has helped lead the evolution of how assurance and related engagements are being performed, from highly manual with very limited technology all the way to using AI, robotic process automation and other technologies to automate and provide efficiencies and greater insights.

Adynea is active in the community, currently serving as the Chair of the CPA Saskatchewan Professional Practice Committee and is the CPA Saskatchewan representative on the University of Regina Senate. Adynea previously served on the Private Enterprise Advisory Committee for the Canadian Accounting Standards Board, and was a board member of CPA Saskatchewan Board, YWCA and Resurrection Roman Catholic Parish Finance Council. In 2019, Adynea was a YWCA Regina Women of Distinction Nominee.

Adynea grew up in Yorkton, Saskatchewan and moved to Regina where she received her Bachelor of Administration at the University of Regina while she played on the U of R Cougar Women’s volleyball team. She obtained her CPA in 1998 and FCPA, FCA in 2020. She currently lives in Emerald Park with her husband Blair, and they have two adult children.

 Members Appointed by the Province of Saskatchewan

File

Leanne Bellegarde, KC

Ms. Bellegarde is an executive, lawyer, and business advisor based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan with 30 years of leadership experience across a number of industries. Ms. Bellegarde is currently the President of Akawa Technologies, a technology company focused on supporting Canadian entrepreneurs and Indigenous groups, and has extensive business and executive experience in senior roles with Potash Corp., Nutrien Ltd. and the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority. Ms. Bellegarde is also the former General Counsel to the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, and a former director of SaskEnergy, Sustainable Developement Technologies Canada as well as several other private businesses, not for profit and community organizations.

Ms. Bellegarde holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Saskatchewan, and was appointed Queen's Counsel in 2017 and was the recipient of the Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2021. Ms. Bellegarde currently sits on the board of directors of the Saskatchewan Research Council and several business enterprises. Ms. Bellegarde is from Treaty 4 Territory in south Saskatchewan and is a proud member of the Peepeekisis Cree Nation.

FileGary Bosgoed, Vice Chair
(Chair, Governance and Nominations Committee)

Gary was appointed to the Board in January 2016 and is the President and CEO of Bosgoed Project Consultants Ltd. (BPC), a management consulting, consulting engineering and project management company. Gary has over forty years of consulting experience, specializing in project delivery, business advisory services and community engagement on capital projects.

Before starting BPC in 2015, Gary was the Senior Vice-President and General Manager of the Worley Parsons Edmonton Office, a team of over 2,600 personnel completing engineering projects around the world. The team delivered oil & gas, mining, infrastructure and power projects in Canada and internationally. He has also held executive positions at Waiward Steel and FT Services (AECOM). Gary was also a founding Director of Circle Energy (CEN:TSX) a Calgary-based oil and gas exploration company.

Mr. Bosgoed is also an active community volunteer, chairing the 2013 Alberta Capital Region United Way Campaign, Co-chairing the Alberta TransCanada Trail Fundraising Committee, on the Norquest College Workforce Advisory Committee and many volunteer roles at the University of Regina. He also founded the Saskatchewan and Alberta Aboriginal Construction Careers Programs and creator of the WorkFirst Community Engagement Program. He is also a Director of the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation and Westrade Strategic Solutions.

Gary is the recipient of numerous awards, including the University of Regina Distinguished Alumni Award, the National Aboriginal Achievement Award in Business and Technology and the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal.

FileDavid Chow, KC
(Chair, Finance and Facilities Committee)

David obtained his law degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 2000.  He served as President of the College of Law Students’ Association in his final year at University.  He returned to his hometown of Moose Jaw where he articled to his father at Chow and Company Barristers and Solicitors.  He is now a senior partner with Chow McLeod.  His legal practice is focused in the areas of Family Law, Civil Litigation, Corporate Commercial and Real Estate Law.  He has argued cases at all levels of the Saskatchewan courts.

Mr. Chow has been the recipient of numerous local and provincial awards including Moose Jaw’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2012 and Moose Jaw’s Citizen of the Year in 2013.  He was an avid volunteer with the former Moose Jaw Family YMCA where he dedicated five years to the Board of Directors and 10 years as the co-owner of the YMCA’s World Tae Kwon Do Federation academy.  He is a 4 th degree black belt and a nationally certified Tae Kwon Do referee.

In 2011 Mr. Chow was appointed by the Saskatchewan Government as a Hearing Officer under authority of The Police Act.  Later that same year he was selected as a public appointee to The Saskatchewan Real Estate Commission where he served for seven years including four years as Chair of the committee redrafting the Commission’s foundational legislation.  In 2012 Mr. Chow was elected to the first of two consecutive terms as a Bencher for The Law Society of Saskatchewan.  He chaired the Ethics Committee and the Governance Committee.  In 2018 Mr. Chow was chosen by the Law Society of Saskatchewan as its representative on the Board of Directors for The Law Foundation of Saskatchewan.  He continues in that role. In December of 2020 David received his Queen's Counsel designation.

Mr. Chow was appointed to the University of Regina’s Board of Governors in January of 2020.  He and his wife, Lindsay, have three young children and continue to make their home in Moose Jaw.

FileChief Cadmus Delorme
(Chair, Human Resources Committee)

Cadmus Delorme is Chief of the Cowessess First Nation. After graduating high school at the Cowessess Community Education Centre, Chief Delorme attended and received a Bachelor of Administration from the First Nations University of Canada in 2013. Chief Delorme continued his higher learning and in 2016, achieved a graduate degree in Public Administration from the Johnson Shoyama School of Public Policy. Chief Delorme has received his designation with the Institute of Corporate Directors and affiliate institution, Kenneth Levene Graduate School of Business.

During Chief Delorme’s time at First Nations University of Canada between 2009 to 2016, he was the President of the Student Association, Student Ambassador, and Student Recruitment Officer. Chief Delorme helped in Strategic planning, bringing a strong relationship with the University of Regina and affiliated colleges, and the 74 First Nations across Saskatchewan.

Chief Delorme was elected Chief of Cowessess First Nation in 2016 and re-elected to a second term in 2019. Chief Delorme focuses on three outcomes: economic self-sustainability, political sovereignty, and cultural rejuvenation. Cowessess First Nation is the highest populated First Nation in Treaty Four and holds the most land base. Chief Delorme uses his Chief role to empower a healing plan to move past the history we all inherited and build strong trusting relationships with other First Nations, governments, and business organizations.

Chief Delorme resides on Cowessess First Nation with his wife, First Nations University of Canada alumna Kimberly Delorme along with their children. Chief Delorme is proud to share that he is the second generation to graduate from the First Nations University of Canada.

FileMark Lang, FCPA

(Chair, Audit and Risk Management Committee)

Mark is the former Regina Office Managing Partner for KPMG. He joined the Regina office in 1981 after graduating from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Commerce. Mark has also been the Audit Business Unit Leader for KPMG Regions West and a member of the Board of Directors of KPMG.

In conjunction with a 38 year career with KPMG, Mark has maintained a 38 year involvement with his community. He is currently the Audit and Finance Chair for Economic Development Regina Inc. He has previously served in various capacities including Chair on the Boards of Regina Downtown, Regina Globe Theatre, Queen City Kinsmen Club and Wascana Country Club. He was also the Finance Chair for the 2018 Memorial Cup, the Sponsorship Chair for the 1998 Scott Tournament of Hearts and Finance Chair for Kinsmen Telemiracle 14.

Mark was the recipient of the Chartered Accountants Distinguished Community Service Award in 2005. In 2019, Mark was awarded the Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant designation recognizing his contributions to the CPA profession and community.

Elected Faculty Member

Dr Carlos Dvid Londono SulkinDr Carlos David Londoño Sulkin

Dr Carlos David Londoño Sulkin (Título de Antropólogo, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia, 1995; PhD, University of St. Andrews, Scotland, 2001) is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Regina. He has an abiding interest in persons’ and social groups’ varied, mutable, yet often patterned moralities. Most of his published research stems from his observations and experiences while living with the Indigenous People of the Centre (Colombian Amazon), with whom he has worked since 1993. In recent years his research has expanded toward the production of moral portraits of individuals: a Colombian anthropologist, a science writer, an Indigenous Amazonian leader, a Sierra Leonean/American intellectual and activist, and most recently, his own PhD supervisor.
 
Carlos served his department as head from 2010 until 2015, and his faculty association as chief negotiator (Academic) in the 2011/2012 round of collective bargaining. In these and other administrative endeavors, he remained curious and interested in reflecting critically on the academic life and duty. He was President of the Society for the Anthropology of Lowland South America ( SALSA) from 2017 till 2020, and is a member of the Boards of Directors of SALSA and of the Society for Ethnographic Theory (SET).
 
Carlos is married to Dr. Maria Isabel Vélez, Professor in the Department of Geology and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies (Engagement and Partnerships) of the University of Regina. They have two sons.
 
For a list of publications and a recent CV, see https://www.uregina.ca/arts/anthropology/faculty-staff/faculty/5-londono-carlos.html. 

Members Ex-Officio

Pam Klein, ChancellorPam Klein, Chancellor

Ms. Klein was appointed to the Board by the Province of Saskatchewan in 2013 and reappointed in 2017. In 2019, Ms. Klein was elected as Chancellor by the University of Regina Senate and therefore remained on the Board in this capacity. Ms. Klein is the President of Phoenix Group, Saskatchewan's leading and award-winning advertising agency. She delivers insight and communications strategies to help businesses solve challenges. Ms. Klein leads her talented team by example: striving for excellence, creating a rewarding work environment and giving back to the community.

A graduate of the University of Regina, she earned a MEd from the University of Manitoba. She has lived and worked across Canada and around the world. She derives joy from her community involvement, her family, and a fulfilling career and has obtained the Professional Director (Pro.Dir) designation. Ms. Klein has been inducted into the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame and is a receipient of the Canada 150 Medal for philanthropic contribution. In 2020, Ms. Klein received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit.

Navjot KaurNavjot Kaur, Students' Union President

Ms. Navjot Kaur (she/her) is the President of URSU (University of Regina Students’ Union). This is her second year at UofR. She is a graduate student completing her Master’s of Science and is serving as a Teaching Assistant as well. She has completed her Bachelor’s of Science and Master’s of Chemistry from India. Upon completion of her Master’s in India, she was awarded a gold medal by the university. 

Apart from her studies, Navjot has served as a National Service Volunteer. During that period, she worked for the community in different ways, for example as a liaison between people and government workers to resolve their daily life issues, helped to educate people about their basic rights, and many more. 

Three issues Navjot would like to take on this year, in addition to those already on the table for URSU, are supporting graduate students more, creating events and campus life efforts to give students more opportunities to connect and build relationships, and supporting efforts for student parents and childcare spaces on campus.

Navjot warmly wishes every student a great and successful year ahead. Together, and united, we can achieve great things for all students, present, and future, and build upon our successes. 

Dr Jeff Keshen, President and Vice-ChancellorDr Jeff Keshen, President and Vice-Chancellor

Dr Jeff Keshen became the University of Regina's eighth President and Vice-Chancellor on July 1, 2021. He joined the University after serving for three-and-a-half years as Vice-President of Memorial University of Newfoundland's Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador. 

While at Memorial, Dr Keshen focused on two main initiatives. The first was the development of a strategic plan for the Grenfell Campus that included commitments to student success, Indigenization, and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Implementation of the plan helped generate considerable success in developing programs that encouraged leadership in young people, including programming for vulnerable and Indigenous students. The second major inititative was strengthening Grenfell's connections to the Corner Brook community and region. Innovative partnerships with all levels of government, the education sector, and industry resulted in large-scale projects such as a new regional aquatic centre, a centre for research and innovation, and management of the Bonne Bay Marine Station.

Prior to his time in Memorial, Dr Keshen served as Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Mount Royal University in Calgary. Before that, he served as Chair of the Department of History at the University of Ottawa and was an Adjunct Professor in the Centre of Military and Strategic Studies at the University of Calgary.

Dr Keshen lives in Regina with his wife, Deborah Moynes-Keshen and two children, who both attend the University of Regina.