Growing Together: Meet Augustana's new dean & executive officer

John Parkins, dean and executive officer of the University of Alberta’s Augustana Campus, is far more than just a professional with a passion for rural communities. With a love for the outdoors ingrained in his spirit, you're just as likely to find him cycling along country roads or gliding through snowy trails on cross-country skis as you are to hear tales of his hunting and fishing adventures. At the same time, you might also find him making music with friends, singing in a choir or playing chamber music with his cello.

As the youngest of their four children celebrates the milestone of high school graduation, John and his wife, Michelle, are eager to embrace their new life in Camrose and begin an exciting new chapter.

Even though his tenure at Augustana has just begun, John has already been connecting with the community. From multiple campus visits to attend Augustana events like the Round Dance and convocation to speaking with the Camrose Booster, he looks forward to what more the community has in store. 

“As a dean, I expect to be very much engaged in a wide range of campus related activities,” says John.

His transition to Augustana is driven by more than just career advancement. John is passionate about helping rural communities thrive. With Augustana sharing this dedication, his new position aligns with his values and extensive knowledge in sociology and rural and community development. This allows him to not only actively contribute to the betterment of the community, but also enables him to pursue his career aspirations and passions.

Professionally, John brings a wealth of experience to his new position. John began his career with the Canadian Forest Service, spending a decade cultivating a deep understanding of rural and environmental sociology. Following this, he spent more than 20 years at the U of A’s Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences. First starting out as a master’s student, John became a professor in the faculty and, most recently, chair of the Department of Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology. Despite the bittersweet feeling of venturing on from a community he dedicated so much of his life to, John is excited by the opportunities at Augustana, and he is motivated to use his career experience to pursue these opportunities. 

“That excitement came partly from learning more about the campus and the strengths of the community, but also my own background and experience and how it connects with what the campus is doing,” says John. 

With its roots deeply entrenched in over a century of liberal arts and science education, Augustana's commitment to academic excellence and community engagement is undeniable. When reflecting on this history, John emphasizes the importance of honoring and understanding the campus’ past while charting a course for future growth and development. 

“Maintaining a sense of community is partly about understanding what makes that sense of community work — to really understand the key elements of community building at Augustana and to be able to contribute to those areas,” says John.

John’s vision for Augustana is clear: to foster student success and community growth. This vision encompasses a thriving undergraduate program, robust student supports and building on existing relationships within the Camrose area and with Indigenous communities in the region. Additionally, John views sustaining campus traditions as crucial for continuing a sense of belonging within the community and enriching the Augustana experience for generations of students and faculty alike: “Traditions that exist from the opening to the closing of the academic year and everything in between. Finding moments where we can come together as a community to celebrate each other,” he shares.

Challenges lie ahead, notably financial sustainability and the desire to adapt to evolving educational landscapes, but John is optimistic. He envisions growth in student numbers by focusing on student recruitment, but also by making sure there are appealing programs available for students to enroll in – and ones that reflect community priorities. “We can enhance our programs by aligning them with Augustana's academic efforts. This includes strengthening offerings in education, nursing and potentially business management to meet the needs of rural areas. By encouraging collaboration, we can maximize our potential for innovation and impact.” 

As we work together in shaping the future of Augustana Campus, John is eager to meet with students, staff, community members, alumni and others who have ideas about moving our campus forward in good ways. 

We encourage members of these groups to look out for upcoming events where they can meet John, share their thoughts and help us contribute to our collective and mutual growth. 

"As I reach out to connect with these communities, please feel free to reach out to me, as well!" says John.