After an extensive global recruitment process, Arja Vainio-Mattila has been appointed Brock’s new Provost and Vice-President, Academic, effective July 22.   

Vainio-Mattila has nearly 30 years of experience in institutional development and global leadership, having worked in Africa and Asia with interdisciplinary teams on education, natural resources management and infrastructure development.  

Among her leadership roles, she has served as Dean of the School of the Arts and Social Sciences at Cape Breton University and Provost and Vice-President Academic and Research at Nipissing University. She was also an assistant professor in Brock’s Environmental Policy Institute from 1996 to 1998.  

After an extensive global recruitment process, Arja Vainio-Mattila has been appointed Brock’s new Provost and Vice-President, Academic, effective July 22.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Brock University community at such an exciting time in the institution’s history,” says Vainio-Mattila. “Brock’s reputation as a welcoming, caring place, and its status as a leader in providing an exceptional student experience, is well known to me. I can’t wait to join the team.”  

Vainio-Mattila holds a PhD in Geography from the University of Turku, Finland, a Master of Philosophy in Geography from the School of Oriental and African Studies in the U.K., and a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and Geography from University College London. 

She has a strong record in organizational optimization which supports the student experience, research and learning opportunities within a sustainable financial model.  

“I am so pleased to welcome Dr. Vainio-Mattila to Brock University,” says Lesley Rigg, President and Vice-Chancellor. “Her deep experience in strategic development and commitment to community engagement will serve the University well for years to come.” 

Rigg also thanked Tim Kenyon for serving in an interim role while the search for a permanent Provost took place.  

“It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Dr. Kenyon in this capacity, and his leadership over the last number of months has been incredibly valuable. I want to express my thanks to him for stepping into this important role as we’ve navigated a critical time in our academic and financial year.”