Welcome From the President

I joke sometimes that no five-year-old ever says they want to be a university president when they grow up. This was certainly true for me—my father worked as a campus chaplain when I was young, so I spent a lot of time at universities, but it never occurred to me that one day I might lead one. Especially not one as special as SFU, and especially not during a time where post-secondary education is more important than ever before.

From a climate crisis and economic instability to shifting geopolitics and increasing inequity, our world faces a multitude of intersecting challenges. I believe that public institutions have a civic and moral obligation to lead the way in creating and implementing solutions to these challenges. And during my time as president, I have watched the SFU community do exactly that.  

Guided by What's Next: The SFU Strategy, we are working to uphold truth and Reconciliation, engage in global challenges, make a difference for B.C. and transform the SFU experience. Every day, I see new examples of how our students, faculty and staff are working with partners and communities to advance innovative research, prepare students for jobs of the future and co-create solutions to complex problems. In ways big and small, we are meeting this moment in a way only SFU can.  

When I first began my presidency in September 2020, I wrote a message to the community saying there was no place I’d rather be, and that continues to be true. I think sometimes about my five-year-old self—about how amazed she would be at the experiences I’ve had and the people I’ve worked with at SFU. It is a privilege to serve this community, and one that I don’t take lightly. 

From research and teaching to community engagement, I am so proud of where we’ve been and excited about where we're going. I invite you to come along as we advance an inclusive and sustainable future, together.

Dr. Joy Johnson
President & Vice-Chancellor
Simon Fraser University