Dr. Lynn Wells

Message from the President

Laurentian President Lynn Wells standing by a railing looking towards the camera.

“I strongly believe in the tricultural identity of Laurentian, and its commitment to offer bilingual education. With a degree in French literature, I am a long-time advocate of francophone education and committed to advancing the University’s bilingual mission. As a descendant of settlers who had the opportunity to learn from First Nations and Métis people through my work at FNUniv, I hold genuine passion for both Francophone and Indigenous cultures that have helped me connect with Laurentian’s unique mission to meet the needs of the people of the North and the communities served by the University. I am honoured to be part of Laurentian’s future.”

President and Vice-Chancellor

About the President

Dr. Lynn Wells is a Canadian scholar, teacher and university leader, with nearly 20 years of experience in senior academic leadership positions. In April 2024, Dr. Wells became the 12th President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.

Dr. Wells served as Provost and Vice-President Academic at Brock University from 2020 to 2023, where she also held a concurrent appointment as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor for fifteen months. Prior to 2020, she was the inaugural Associate Vice-President, Students and Teaching at MacEwan University in Edmonton and held senior positions at the University of Regina, including Acting Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Associate Vice-President Academic.

For seven years, Dr. Wells worked directly with Indigenous people and communities through her service as Vice-President Academic and Special Advisor to the President at First Nations University of Canada. As a leader, Dr. Wells has demonstrated her commitment to key issues such as national reconciliation, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Dr. Wells is a respected scholar in her field of Contemporary British Fiction, having published two books and numerous articles. She holds a Master’s in English and a B.A. Honours (summa cum laude) in English and French Studies from York University, along with a PhD in English from Western University.