Elizabeth Cannon
President and Vice-Chancellor University of Calgary
- Calgary AB
Dr. Elizabeth Cannon is the eighth president and vice-chancellor of the University of Calgary
Media
Biography
Prior to her appointment as president, Dr. Cannon was dean of the Schulich School of Engineering, propelling it into the top ranks of Canadian engineering schools.
Since her installation in July 2010, Dr. Cannon has committed the University of Calgary to the goal of becoming one of Canada’s top research schools.
Her tenure to date has been filled with many milestones for the University of Calgary, including recognition as the number one young university in Canada and North America and the sixth ranked research university in the country, the largest private donation to the Cumming School of Medicine, the largest public donation to the Werklund School of Education, and a pioneering support system for student wellness.
Dr. Cannon is a Professional Engineer, a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and an elected foreign associate of the National Academy of Engineering. Currently, she serves as the Chair of the Canada Research Knowledge Network and the Chair of Universities Canada. She is also a member of the Science, Technology and Innovation Council (STIC) and the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities.
An expert in geomatics engineering, Dr. Cannon has led research at the forefront of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in both industrial and academic environments. She has commercialized technology to over 200 agencies worldwide. Dr. Cannon’s work has been recognized with many accolades, including the Johannes Kepler Award from the U.S. Institute of Navigation, APEGA’s Centennial Leadership Award and the Gold Medal Award from Engineers Canada in 2013.
Throughout her career, Dr. Cannon has championed women in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). From 1997 to 2002, she held the NSERC / Petro-Canada Chair for Women in Science and Engineering. In this capacity, she worked to raise public awareness about science and engineering careers for women, developing several innovative programs to encourage women to explore careers in STEM fields.
Dr. Cannon holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in mathematics from Acadia University as well as a BSc, MSc and PhD in geomatics engineering from the University of Calgary. She has received Honorary Doctorates from the University of Ottawa, University of Montreal and Acadia University.
Industry Expertise
Areas of Expertise
Accomplishments
Honorary Doctorate
2016
University of Montreal
Distinguished Alumni Award
2014
Acadia University
Honorary Doctor of Laws
2013
University of Ottawa
Gold Medal Award
2013
Engineers Canada
Centennial Leadership Award
2012
APEGA
Elected Foreign Associate
2011
U.S. National Academy of Engineering
Honorary Doctor of Science
2010
Acadia University
Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women
2006
Women's Executive Network
Fellow
2004
Royal Society of Canada
Fellow
2004
U.S. Institute of Navigation
Wired Woman Pioneer Award
2002
Wired Woman Society
NSERC / Petro-Canada Chair for Women in Science and Engineering
1997 - 2002
Johannes Kepler Award
2001
U.S. Institute of Navigation
Betty Vetter Award for Research
2001
Women in Engineering Programs and Advocates Network
Fellow
2000
Canadian Academy of Engineering
Canada's Top 40 Under 40
1998
The Globe and Mail
Education
University of Calgary
PhD
Geomatics Engineering
1991
University of Calgary
MSc
Geomatics Engineering
1987
University of Calgary
BSc
Geomatics Engineering
1984
Acadia University
BSc
Mathematics
1982
Affiliations
- Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada
- Fellow of the U.S. Institute of Navigation
- Fellow of Engineers Canada
- Fellow of Geosciences Canada (Hon)
- Professional Engineer (Alberta)
Languages
- English
Media Appearances
President Cannon receives honorary degree from University of Montreal
UToday online
2016-06-10
This week, President Elizabeth Cannon has been conferring degrees on the class of 2016 — the University of Calgary’s newest graduates — but last Friday she was the one on stage receiving a degree...
University of Calgary provides shelter for Fort Mac evacuees
UToday online
2016-05-10
“I am so proud of how our university community has come together during this critical time of need,” said President Elizabeth Cannon. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the disastrous fires in northern Alberta, and with the firefighters and other first responders working tirelessly to contain it. Please know the entire University of Calgary community is behind you, and we will continue to work hard to support you in any way we can.”...
U of C looks forward to the next 50 years
Calgary Herald online
2016-04-30
We began a year’s worth of celebrations around the University of Calgary’s 50th anniversary on Friday. We will be honouring our past, while priming ourselves for the future, but really, we’ll be celebrating you...
University of Calgary to celebrate 50th anniversary at alumni event
Calgary Herald online
2016-04-29
As a teenager in the 1970s, Robert Thirsk often tagged along with his older brother, an engineering student, to the contemporary, exhilarating, just-blossoming University of Calgary campus...
University of Calgary kicks off year of 50th anniversary celebrations
UToday online
2016-04-29
The University of Calgary officially marks its 50th Anniversary today, launching a year-long celebration to honour the legacies of the past while engaging the community in a rich discussion about the future...
President Elizabeth Cannon thanks the Calgary community for unwavering support
UToday online
2016-04-29
When we begin a year’s worth of celebrations around the University of Calgary’s 50th anniversary on Friday, we will be honouring our past while priming ourselves for the future. But really, we’ll be celebrating you...
Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning opens at U of C to much fanfare
660 News online
2016-04-18
University of Calgary officials are promising it will change the field of education with a new facility where students can investigate new avenues of learning...
Great cities need great universities
UToday online
2016-04-14
Universities need more, not less, engagement with business and community. This was the message delivered by University of Calgary President and Vice-Chancellor Elizabeth Cannon to community and business leaders in a speech hosted by the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday...
President Elizabeth Cannon applauds government's commitment to post-secondary education
Market Wired online
2016-04-14
"We would like to thank the government for moving quickly to provide additional funding to the post-secondary system. This support is critical to meeting the growing demand from new students and those looking to upgrade their skills during the economic downturn," said President Elizabeth Cannon. "We look forward to working with the Minister of Advanced Education to develop a strong and sustainable future for funding and tuition. All Campus Alberta institutions are working together to enhance efficiencies and provide a full range of world leading education options for Albertans."...
A Wise investment in the infrastructure of Canadians' minds
Calgary Herald online
2016-04-07
Canada’s view of infrastructure is changing. The federal budget made it clear that infrastructure means more than wastewater, highways and bridges. As vital as these things are, Canada also needs infrastructure that supports the mind — technology-enhanced learning environments, sustainable campuses and the modern research facilities that nurture curiosity and discovery...
Fortney: U of C to celebrate 50-year milestone
Calgary Herald online
2016-02-24
In 1982, Calgary had fewer than 600,000 citizens, its tallest structure was the 191-metre-high Calgary Tower and its mayor...
Elizabeth Cannon named new chair of Universities Canada
UToday online
2015-10-29
University of Calgary President and Vice-Chancellor Elizabeth Cannon recently began a two-year term as chair of Universities Canada’s board of directors effective Oct. 28, 2015...
Elizabeth Cannon: Trudeau's Appearance At Reception 'A Huge Signal' For Universities Canada
The Huffington Post online
2015-10-28
Elizabeth Cannon, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Calgary, says she was "thrilled" by Trudeau's unannounced, short visit and address Tuesday night at a reception near Parliament Hill hosted by Canada's university umbrella organization, formerly known as the Association of Universities and Colleges Canada...
