Ayush Kumar appointed Vice-Provost (Academic Affairs)
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The University of Manitoba is pleased to welcome Ayush Kumar as Vice-Provost (Academic Affairs). A respected researcher, educator and academic leader, Dr. Kumar brings valuable experience in academic administration and a strong commitment to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) and Indigenous student success. He will also retain his appointment as Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science.
Dr. Kumar’s five-year term runs from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2031. Prior to his appointment, he served as Associate Dean (Strategic Initiatives) in the Faculty of Science, where he led faculty-wide EDIA initiatives and oversaw the Wawatay Program, which supports Indigenous students pursuing science education. His collaborative approach to leadership and dedication to fostering inclusive academic environments have been central to his work at UM.
“I am confident that Dr. Kumar’s commitment to collaborative and collegial leadership, Indigenous excellence and success, EDIA and research will well serve the Provost’s Office and the University of Manitoba,” says Dr. Diane Hiebert-Murphy, Provost and Vice-President (Academic). “Please join me in extending congratulations to Dr. Kumar on his appointment as Vice-Provost (Academic Affairs).”
A University of Manitoba alum, Dr. Kumar earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology from the UM before completing postdoctoral training at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. He began his academic career as an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (now Ontario Tech University) before relocating his research program to the University of Manitoba in 2013.
Dr. Kumar’s research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria and in drinking and source water in First Nations communities. His work has been supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), Mitacs and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Throughout his career, Dr. Kumar has been recognized for excellence in teaching, outreach and service. He has also served as President of the Canadian Society of Microbiologists and is an elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology.
“I am honoured and humbled to serve the University of Manitoba in this new role,” says Dr. Kumar. “I look forward to listening, learning and working collaboratively with faculty, staff and academic leaders across the institution to strengthen our academic community, advance inclusive excellence, and support the success and growth of our faculty members.”
