Executives Depart Athabasca University Amid Leadership Turmoil

A significant leadership crisis is unfolding at Athabasca University, resulting in the resignation of multiple senior executives. Following the departure of Dale Mountain, the university’s chief financial officer, on September 12, 2024, at least nine other executives have either left or returned to faculty positions, marking what many describe as an unprecedented exodus in the institution’s 55-year history.

Mountain’s resignation was a key moment, as it encouraged others to reconsider their roles. He stated, “I had two people come to me, very close colleagues, saying that they were working on their exit strategies.” This sentiment was echoed in a message from a colleague, who noted that Mountain’s departure signaled to others that they too could seek opportunities where they felt “appreciated and valued.”

The list of executives who have resigned includes prominent figures such as deputy provost Bailey Sousa, vice-president of university relations Jennifer Pascoe, and business dean Lisa Watson. Many of these individuals have transitioned to positions at other post-secondary institutions. The university’s communications department has also seen several lower-level staff departures, which further compounds the challenges facing the institution.

Concerns Over Management Practices

Interviews with former executives reveal a troubling narrative of a dysfunctional management structure at the university. Many expressed concerns about a centralized decision-making process that appears heavily controlled by the president’s office, particularly under Alex Clark, the current president, who has faced scrutiny over his leadership style.

Initially, there was optimism regarding Clark’s vision for a collegial and inclusive culture, but this enthusiasm quickly faded. One former executive described the environment as having become “very toxic,” with a lack of collegiality and input from senior leadership. Regular meetings intended to foster collaboration ceased, contributing to a sense of exclusion among executives.

“The three top people in the president’s office demonstrated how intent they were on managing and controlling the university’s image,” noted a former executive. This focus on optics over operational effectiveness has led to frustration among staff, who feel that fundamental responsibilities are being overshadowed by the need to maintain a particular public image.

Political Interference and Its Consequences

The turbulence at Athabasca University can be partly traced back to political interventions in the institution’s governance. In early 2023, then Advanced Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides initiated a series of controversial actions, including the dismissal of board members and the firing of former president Peter Scott. Scott, a respected figure in distance learning, was ousted shortly after a personal tragedy, raising questions about the motivations behind these decisions.

Nicolaides’ push to enforce a residency requirement for senior executives has also been a point of contention. While the intention was to bolster local engagement, many executives reported that the plan was poorly executed and ultimately abandoned. Clark, who was supposed to relocate to Athabasca, has not established a permanent residence there, undermining the policy’s goals.

In a recent press release, Clark claimed that with a new strategic plan, Athabasca University is “firmly grounded in our home community of Athabasca.” However, many former executives dismissed this assertion as performative, pointing out that the reality does not reflect such a commitment.

The fallout from these leadership issues has raised concerns regarding the university’s future viability. “How do you run a university as a team of three?” questioned one former executive, stressing the unsustainability of the current management structure.

Despite the challenges, there are voices within the university community advocating for resilience and change. Dave Powell from the Athabasca University Faculty Association believes that the institution could thrive if it were allowed to operate without interference from politicians.

As the situation evolves, observers are left wondering how Athabasca University will navigate this period of instability and what steps will be taken to restore its leadership integrity and operational effectiveness.