Steenkamp reappointed Royal Roads University president and vice-chancellor
Dr. Philip Steenkamp has been appointed to a second five-year term as president and vice-chancellor of Royal Roads University. Steenkamp was first appointed to a five-year term as president in 2018.
“Dr. Steenkamp has proven himself as an exceptional President, helping Royal Roads University establish itself as an institution of choice, inspiring innovation and fostering the value of lifelong learning,” says Nelson Chan, chancellor and chair of the RRU Board of Governors. “As we look forward to President Steenkamp continuing the journey with us for the next five years, the Board of Governors is confident in his ability to guide us through challenging and rapidly changing times.”
During his first term, Steenkamp led the process to develop a new 25-year strategic vision, Learning for Life: 2045 and Beyond, and a five-year strategic plan for success. The vision puts courage at its core and builds on Royal Roads’ history as a leader in online, on-campus, and blended education over the last two decades. He also oversaw the development of a new academic plan, research strategy and internationalization strategy. In response to student and faculty needs, he is leading a comprehensive administrative and academic reorganization of the university.
“I am honoured to be reappointed as President and Vice-Chancellor at Royal Roads for another five years,” says Steenkamp. “During my second term, I look forward to continuing to work with students, faculty, staff, and partners, and to delivering on our vision to inspire people with the courage to transform the world. In many ways, the world doesn’t look remotely as it did when I first joined Royal Roads, and I am invigorated by the challenges and possibilities that the post-secondary sector and our students will be facing.”
A physical representation of Steenkamp’s lasting impact with the university is the new West Shore campus, now under construction in central Langford, BC. He helped secure $88 million in funding from local and provincial governments to build the first-of-its-kind collaborative post-secondary partnership with the University of Victoria, and Camosun College. It will also include program space for the Justice Institute of British Columbia and School District 62 (Sooke). In preparation for the opening of the new campus, Steenkamp oversaw the development of a new challenge-based undergraduate curriculum designed to respond to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Understanding the importance of a strong alumni community, Steenkamp pushed for increased engagement with RRU alumni and enhanced fundraising efforts to support university improvements and student success. Revealing care and commitment to RRU staff, he led the response to COVID-19 and introduced a new flexible work framework.
Steenkamp prioritized truth and reconciliation in his first term and is committed to strong, respectful relationships with the Lekwungen-speaking peoples, known today as the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, upon whose traditional Lands the Royal Roads campus is located. He oversaw the development of an Indigenous education and engagement strategy, which is resulting in increased enrolment of Indigenous students and hiring of Indigenous faculty.
Prioritizing a safe, inclusive university, Steenkamp created Royal Roads’ first Human Rights, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion office. The rollout of an Anti-Racism Action Plan and HREDI strategy are the first major products of this integral office.
In his first term, Steenkamp cemented Royal Roads’ role as a climate leader among post-secondary institutions. He facilitated the development of a university-wide Climate Action Plan, setting out a course to achieve a net-zero campus by 2050, complete with a Climate Action Task Force to ensure targets are met. To address food insecurity in the community, Steenkamp launched a food production initiative on campus, titled Farm at RRU, which produces fresh vegetables, herbs and fruit for local community organizations and food banks.
He also established the Cascade Institute, a world-leading research centre for complex system science headed by Dr. Thomas Homer-Dixon. The Cascade Institute is working to address the complex issues of our time – including climate change, threats to democracy, and economic and social upheaval. To initiate important dialogue and awareness regarding the complex problems facing society, Steenkamp helped establish the RRU Changemakers Speakers Series.
For his achievements, Steenkamp was selected as one of the top five post-secondary leaders in BC and one of the top two university presidents for social media impact in North America.