Dr. Debora Linehan
Dr. Debora Linehan is interim vice-president academic and provost (VPAP) at Royal Roads University and the institution’s first alum to hold the role. With a background in academic leadership, executive education and senior leadership roles in the financial services industry, Linehan is uniquely positioned to advance priorities that strengthen RRU’s learning, teaching and research environment.
Linehan holds both a Doctor of Social Sciences and a Master of Business Administration from Royal Roads. Joining the university as a faculty member in September 2019, she has taught at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. She held the roles of program head for both the Master of Business Administration in Executive Management and the Master of Global Management programs prior to assuming her role as VPAP.
As a scholar-practitioner with deep expertise in intercultural leadership, Linehan’s work and research have made significant contributions to advancing both the study and practice of intercultural leadership competencies within organizations, while promoting diversity.
Prior to joining Royal Roads, Linehan, a Certified Management Consultant, held leadership roles within the financial industry, including as regional vice-president with RBC, where she was also an executive champion on RBC’s National Diversity Counsel.
A self-described lifelong learner, Linehan holds several industry-related certifications including as a Certified Administrator: Global Competencies Index and Intercultural Effectiveness Scales (Kozai Group).
Linehan has been active in many organizations as a volunteer and as a board member and is also a member of the Research Ethics Board. She previously served on the university’s Board of Governors as the Lieutenant Governor in Council appointee for a total of six years.
Dr. Linehan is appointed as interim vice-president academic and provost for a one-year term, from January 1 to December 31, 2026.
Reporting to the President, the Vice-President Academic and Provost serves as an executive member of the university and is its senior academic officer. The VPA has lead responsibility for the development and implementation of academic programs, academic and student support services, academic quality assurance, faculty appointments and faculty relations, and academic administrative appointments.
The VPA provides leadership to the following areas:
- Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences
- Faculty of Management
- College of Interdisciplinary Studies
- Professional and Continuing Studies
- Registrar's Office
- Student Services
- Indigenous Education & Student Services
- Library
- Centre for Teaching and Educational Technologies (CTET)