Elizabeth Cannon 
President and Vice-Chancellor | University of Calgary
Calgary, AB, CANADA
Dr. Elizabeth Cannon is the eighth president and vice-chancellor of the University of Calgary
Media
Publications:
Documents:
Videos:
Audio/Podcasts:
Biography
Dr. Elizabeth Cannon is the eighth president and vice-chancellor of the University of Calgary.
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 (5)
Education/Learning
Fund-Raising
Government Relations
Program Development
Research
Areas of Expertise (20)
Higher Education Leadership
Geomatics Engineering
Board Leadership
Community Relations
Executive Leadership
Government Relations
Higher Education Administration
Technological Innovation
Institutional Strategic Development and Leadership
International Partnership Development
Institutional Sustainability Strategy
Post-Secondary Education
Post-Secondary Program Development
Post-Secondary Institutional Leadership
Research and Development
Systems Development for Positioning and Navigation
Global Positioning Systems (Gps)
Careers in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Science and Technology
Teaching
Accomplishments (16)
Honorary Doctorate (professional)
2016 University of Montreal
Distinguished Alumni Award (professional)
2014 Acadia University
Honorary Doctor of Laws (professional)
2013 University of Ottawa
Gold Medal Award (professional)
2013 Engineers Canada
Centennial Leadership Award (professional)
2012 APEGA
Elected Foreign Associate (professional)
2011 U.S. National Academy of Engineering
Honorary Doctor of Science (professional)
2010 Acadia University
Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women (professional)
2006 Women's Executive Network
Fellow (professional)
2004 Royal Society of Canada
Fellow (professional)
2004 U.S. Institute of Navigation
Wired Woman Pioneer Award (professional)
2002 Wired Woman Society
NSERC / Petro-Canada Chair for Women in Science and Engineering (professional)
1997 - 2002
Johannes Kepler Award (professional)
2001 U.S. Institute of Navigation
Betty Vetter Award for Research (professional)
2001 Women in Engineering Programs and Advocates Network
Fellow (professional)
2000 Canadian Academy of Engineering
Canada's Top 40 Under 40 (professional)
1998 The Globe and Mail
Education (4)
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 (6)
- 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)
Links (3)
Languages (1)
- English
Media Appearances (13)
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...
