Florentine Strzelczyk

Florentine Strzelczyk is an internationally recognized scholar and university leader. Currently the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) at Western University, Strzelczyk’s impact on Canadian higher education is underscored by her dedication to enabling student success, strengthening inclusivity, and deepening global connection.

After obtaining her MA in Germany and PhD at University of British Columbia as an international student, Strzelczyk taught briefly at Queen’s University before joining the University of Calgary in 1997. She is widely recognized for her scholarship in film and cultural studies, having been funded by Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the German Academic Exchange Service, and received a prestigious Killam Award.

Prior to joining Western, Strzelczyk was named Deputy Provost at University of Calgary in 2018, followed by her appointment as Provost, Vice-President Academic and Pro-Vice Chancellor at Memorial University (2021-22). Strzelczyk is sought-after across the Canadian higher education sector for her experience in evolving budget models. She is passionate about developing pathways for students from all backgrounds to access postsecondary education, and firmly believes in the vital role universities must play in tackling our world’s most pressing challenges through global partnership and collaboration.

For more than 20 years, Strzelczyk has remained committed to inspiring university leaders to be bold and innovative, serving as a facilitator, instructor, and mentor in national leadership programs, including those supporting women and equity-deserving groups. She currently serves on the Centre for Higher Education and Research and Development (CHERD) advisory board for SUAC – the Senior University Administrator Course that she has also co-facilitated since 2022.

Her commitment to community engagement and volunteerism has been a cornerstone of her career. In her community of London, Ontario, Strzelczyk serves as a Board Member with Museum London and the London Economic Development Corporation. Provincially she is a member of the eCampus Ontario Board of Directors where she focuses on enhancing teaching and learning through technology, and also serves as an Executive on the Ontario Council of Academic Vice-Presidents, providing leadership on educational excellence and major policy issues affecting universities. Globally, Strzelczyk serves on the editorial board of Schüren Publishing Marburg, Germany, that publishes academic works focused on Eastern European film, culture, and politics.

Strzelczyk is the recipient of a 2024 Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award in recognition of her impact and contributions to higher education. She lives outside London with her husband and enjoys exploring the rich beauty of the Canadian outdoors, preferably when her children come to visit.