Canadian University Press Releases/Newswire

Source: Athabasca University
http://www.athabascau.ca/media/releases.php?id=201

Joy Romero Named Chair of Athabasca University Governing Council

October 13, 2006

Advanced
Education Minister Denis Herard announced yesterday that Joy Romero, P.
Eng., will be the next Chair of the Athabasca University Governing Council.

Romero is director of bitumen production, Horizon Oil Sands Project with
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd., one of the largest oil sands developments
in the Fort McMurray area. She was first appointed to Governing Council in
2002 and was elected vice-chair in 2004. She has served on finance, audit,
human resources, executive and institutional advancement committees.

"This is a very exciting appointment for the university," AU president Frits
Pannekoek said. "Ms. Romero has already established a record of outstanding
leadership and strong commitment to the university. During her term as
vice-chair, she has proven herself an able representative and an eloquent
spokesperson. She is an excellent successor to David Burnett."

Given the timing of the appointment, Romero's experience on the council is
particularly valuable, Pannekoek said. "With a newly appointed
vice-president academic, a new vice-president advancement, and significant
annual growth that shows no sign of slowing down, ensuring a measure of
continuity is extremely important at this point in the university’s
expansion."

Romero has a long history of community service, Herard said, and will bring
in-depth knowledge and a wealth of experience to the council, attributes
which will "benefit the students and staff of the university for years to
come."

In accepting the appointment, Romero said that the next several years will
be a critical and exciting time for Athabasca University. "The university is
undertaking a number of very significant initiatives including the
introduction of its first doctoral programs, the launch of a significant
fundraising program, the fulfillment of its capital plan for facility
expansion and the implementation of the new Strategic University Plan,
supporting its mission to remove barriers to university education. I
appreciate the confidence shown in me by the Government of Alberta in naming
me to lead Governing Council to achieve these ambitious and vital goals."

Romero has a wealth of volunteer experience in the community. She is an
advisor to the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
(NSERC) post-graduate research programs on oil sands applicable research at
the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary and is Chair of the
Extraction Research Group of CONRAD (Canadian Oilsands Network for Research
and Development). She mentors engineering students and has assisted in
establishing high school engineering co-op programs and served as a school
trustee.

Romero also brings a student perspective to Governing Council. She holds an
AU Graduate Diploma in Management and has completed the coursework for AU's
MBA in Project Management with an energy specialization.

Romero lives in Calgary with her husband Diego and has three adult children.

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Media contact:
Carol Lund
University Secretary
Office of the University Secretariat
Email: caroll@athabascau.ca
Phone: (780) 675-6271