The University of Manitoba is pleased to share the following reappointment and acting dean announcements.
The University of Manitoba is pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. Allison Abra as Warden and Vice-Chancellor of St John’s College. Her second term will run from July 26, 2026 to July 25, 2031.
Throughout her tenure, Dr. Abra has demonstrated strong, collaborative leadership, advancing key priorities that have strengthened the College’s role within the university community. She is leading the development of a unit-level strategic plan and Reconciliation framework to guide the College’s future direction in alignment with university priorities.
As a former undergraduate student and junior fellow at St John’s College, and a fourth-generation Johnian, Dr. Alba is deeply committed to student success. During her first term as Warden and Vice-Chancellor, she enhanced the student experience through expanded programming and increased scholarship supports. She also strengthened supports for Indigenous students through targeted initiatives and expanded partnerships. Under her leadership, St John’s College has seen a significant increase in student affiliation.
Dr. Abra has also advanced key capital infrastructure projects and strengthened community and alumni engagement, building relationships locally and internationally.
Dr. Sean McKenna has been appointed Acting Dean of the Faculty of Science from July 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026, during Dr. Brian Mark’s administrative leave.
A member of the Department of Chemistry since 2008, Dr. McKenna holds a B.Sc. in Biochemistry from Queen’s University and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Alberta, where his research focused on structural aspects of the protein ubiquitination machinery. He completed postdoctoral training at Stanford University in the Department of Structural Biology, investigating RNA–protein complexes in viral infection.
Since 2021, Dr. McKenna has served as Associate Dean (Programs) in the Faculty of Science, playing a key role in the development and enhancement of both undergraduate and graduate programs. His leadership experience, strong academic record and collaborative approach position him well to support the Faculty during this period.
UM is pleased to announce that Dr. Robert Biscontri will serve as Acting Dean of the I. H. Asper School of Business from September 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.
Dr. Biscontri has been a member of the Department of Accounting and Finance since 2004. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of New South Wales, as well as a Master of Management and Ph.D. from Macquarie Business School. He is a Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant (FCPA) in Canada and a Fellow of CPA Australia.
His research focuses on accounting information systems, management accounting and technology. Interdisciplinary in nature, his work bridges business and healthcare, exploring connections between management practices and patient outcomes.
Currently serving as Associate Dean (Undergraduate and International Programs), Dr. Biscontri has led initiatives in curriculum innovation, student success, international engagement and experiential learning. He has also contributed to university governance, including serving on Senate committees and as Chair of the University Disciplinary Committee.
“Dr. Abra’s continued leadership at St John’s College, along with Dr. McKenna’s and Dr. Biscontri’s willingness to serve as Acting Deans, reflect the strength and dedication of our academic community,” said Dr. Diane Hiebert-Murphy, Provost and Vice-President (Academic). “I am grateful for their commitment to supporting students, leading their units and ensuring that the University’s priorities are advanced.”
Congratulations to all the appointees.
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Dr. Jacquie Ripat assumed role of dean on July 1, 2026.
