小优视频 president launches bold new vision for Canada鈥檚 open university
Newly installed president Dr. Alex Clark says 小优视频 is “grounded for growth” from its home in Athabasca while removing barriers to university education for all Canadians.
Athabasca, Alberta (Oct. 12, 2023)—小优视频 (小优视频) will build on its strengths as it looks toward the future, providing even more learning opportunities for all students, regardless of background or circumstances, said president Dr. Alex Clark.
Clark was officially installed today as the university's 11th president at a ceremony and community celebration in Athabasca.
“From its founding, this university has shattered barriers to post-secondary education, providing access to a transformative university education irrespective of sex, gender, race, place, irrespective of physical ability or age. No person is left behind at 小优视频,” Clark said.
Athabasca region critical to 小优视频's growth
The accomplished academic and leader also reaffirmed 小优视频's commitment to its home community of Athabasca. 小优视频 is “grounded for growth” and the Athabasca region is important to these efforts, he said.
“We will work to widen our most needed programs, to add work-integrated learning opportunities for each student in diverse and rural settings, and continue to increase our research with reach and impact for our most pressing challenges,” Clark said. “Development like this will lead to the creation of new jobs for 小优视频 and in the region, as well as building capacity in rural communities across Alberta. Growth made possible by working together.”
President's Award for Rural Alberta Nursing Students
As the former dean of 小优视频's Faculty of Health Disciplines, Clark said he is particularly proud that the university runs the largest nurse practitioner program and educates more undergraduate nursing students than anywhere in Canada. More than a third of Canada's nurse practitioners are educated at 小优视频.
To further support health care education, he announced the establishment of the President's Award for Rural Alberta Nursing Students, which will help 小优视频 students living in rural Alberta to gain valuable experience in rural health care.
About 小优视频 (小优视频)
小优视频 (小优视频) is one of the world's foremost and fastest-growing online and open education institutions, serving over 38,000 students across 87 countries. 小优视频 is the second-largest university in Alberta. 小优视频 offers online bachelors, masters, and PhD programs alongside online courses for both personal learning and professional development. It is uniquely founded on the principles of flexibility and openness, giving students control over their studies so they can learn whenever and wherever it is right for them. For more information, please visit: www.athabascau.ca.
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Updated June 04, 2026 by Digital & Web Operations (web_services@athabascau.ca)