“Western has a longstanding tradition of producing outstanding research that has important impact on society. I’m so pleased to be back at my alma mater, to build relationships and catalyze new interdisciplinary activity.
Penny Pexman
Vice-President (Research); Professor, Psychology
JOINED WESTERN:
September 1, 2023
PREVIOUSLY:
Associate Vice-President, Research, University of Calgary
EXPERTISE:
Internationally recognized leader in cognitive development, psycholinguistics and cognitive neuroscience
DID YOU KNOW?
While a Western student, Pexman was on the women’s varsity rowing team alongside future three-time Olympic gold medalist Marnie McBean.
“I’m excited to bring more of the world to Western, and more of Western to the world. We’re really a home away from home for students from every corner of the globe and I want to build on that sense of community, while also growing our international collaborations so Western’s global reputation continues to rise.”
Lily Cho
Vice-Provost & Associate Vice-President (International); Professor, English & Writing Studies
JOINED WESTERN:
July 1, 2023
PREVIOUSLY:
Associate Dean, Global and Community Engagement, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, York University
EXPERTISE:
Supporting international student success; Asian, North American and Canadian literature
DID YOU KNOW?
A first-generation scholar, Cho is the author of Eating Chinese: Culture on the Menu in Small Town Canada, which looks at Chinese restaurants as spaces that define what it means to be Chinese-Canadian.
“My personal values of curiosity, courage, critical thinking and diversity of thought align perfectly with higher education, and specifically with Western. I’m looking forward to advancing these values and fostering our shared commitments to both equity and equality with the Western community.”
Marisa Modeski
University Registrar
JOINED WESTERN:
May 1, 2023
PREVIOUSLY:
Director and Associate Registrar, University of Toronto (Mississauga)
EXPERTISE:
Student recruitment and retention strategies with a focus on equity, diversity and inclusion
DID YOU KNOW?
Modeski has helped support refugees and survivors of domestic violence as a volunteer with Dress for Success, a global non-for- profit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing mentorship and professional attire.
