Janine Andrews

Janine Andrews, Executive Director, University of Alberta Museums

“Make no small plans…” - Donald Cameron, Director, Banff School of Fine Arts (1936-1969)

Janine Andrews led the University of Alberta Museums as Executive Director from 1990 until her retirement in 2020. During 30 years of service, she set into motion a philosophy that demonstrates how museum collections are integral to the University of Alberta’s academic mission, and are closely tied to research, teaching, and community engagement.

Janine’s commitment to the UAlberta Museums is evident in every facet of her tenure at the University of Alberta. She developed a unique vision for academic museums by creating a system guided by a campus-wide policy, and mentored and inspired staff and students. Whether it was overseeing the implementation of a universal museum collections database, or leading the way for repatriation negotiations with First Nations groups, Janine’s endless museum knowledge and innate sense of respect and leadership has been sought out by all levels of university administration. During her time with the UAlberta Museums, Janine created the UAlberta Museums Policy and Planning Committee where she served as an ex-officio member, as well as the Curators Committee, Art Acquisition Committee, and Return of Cultural Property Committee. Her commitment to the university and her ability to incubate innovative initiatives extended to leading and/or creating the University of Alberta Press, the University Archives, the NEOS Library consortium, the ONEcard Office, and the Information and Privacy Office, among others. But as Janine always said, her heart was with museums, which included leadership of the University of Alberta Museums Art Collection and the Mactaggart Art Collection. She also contributed to the broader museum community locally and internationally for which she was awarded the Alberta Museums Association Outstanding Service Award, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the Alberta Centennial Medal.

Throughout her career, Janine has inspired all levels of museum professionals and has been a strong role model for anyone who had the opportunity to work with her or take one of her museum studies classes. Her legacy of leadership and passion will continue to shape the future of UAlberta Museums.