Fields adds new role to life of excellence

Renowned oncologist and visionary leader in cancer care Dr Anthony “Tony” Fields will serve as MacEwan University’s first chancellor. The MacEwan University Board of Governors elected Dr Fields to be installed as chancellor for a four-year, non-renewable term at a ceremony held yesterday. The installation marks an important milestone in the university’s history and its role as an undergraduate university.

One of the new chancellor’s first responsibilities will be to preside over and confer degrees at the university’s online spring convocation ceremonies which commenced today and will continue until July 15.

“I am incredibly honoured to be the university’s first chancellor and a part of its bright new future,” said Dr. Fields.

“It is easy to look at the world and wring our hands about the present or worry about the future, but I think it is important to remember that positive change is something we must choose and work for – that we can will a different kind of future if we work together to achieve it.”

As chancellor, Dr. Fields will be the university’s ceremonial head and work closely with leadership to build connections and relationships that increase the institution’s profile and contribute to realising its vision. MacEwan University is located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. MacEwan president and vice-chancellor Dr. Annette Trimbee was thrilled by the board’s selection and what Dr. Fields’ appointment means for the university’s future.

“Considering Dr. Fields’s career and accomplishments – including the impact he has had on the lives of people with cancer, their families and their caregivers, along with the generations of students he has taught – his life’s work is an impressive blend of excellence and compassion.

“And Dr. Fields’s approach aligns perfectly with the future we envision for our university. Now, more than ever, our city, our province and our country need the hope and optimism we know that Dr. Fields will bring to this new role at MacEwan,” said Dr. Trimbee.

Born and raised in Barbados, Dr. Fields emigrated to Canada after studying natural sciences at the University of Cambridge. He graduated from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Medicine in 1974 and completed his postgraduate training in internal medicine and medical oncology at the University of Toronto. Dr. Fields has had a long and distinguished career in medicine as a physician, teacher, researcher and administrator.

Most recently, he was a professor of oncology at the University of Alberta and vice-president of cancer care for Alberta Health Services before retiring in 2011.

Over the years, Dr. Fields has held many provincial and national voluntary and professional roles and has been recognised with several awards for his extensive work. In Alberta’s centennial year, he was named one of Alberta’s 100 Physicians of the Century, and in 2012, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada.

Dr. Fields was also awarded one of MacEwan’s first honorary doctorates in a pre-recorded virtual ceremony.

“During my time as director of the Cross Cancer Institute and vice-president of the Alberta Cancer Board, we wanted to be known around the world for scientific excellence, but to be known in our community for the care we provided to our people,” said Dr. Fields.

“I think the same holds true for MacEwan – that the key to this university’s future success involves achieving academic excellence in a way that remembers that education is all about people and approaches that future with humanity and compassion.”

A graduate of Harrison College, Fields once said the Crumpton Street, St Michael institution provided him with the grounding to be successful anywhere in the world.

“That’s what that institution does for its students,” he noted.

“Going to Harrison was a major branch point in my life.”

Among his classmates was the late distinguished scientist Dr. Oliver Headley who designed the first and largest electrical grid system using solar energy that’s installed at Harrison’s Cave and who is considered the father of solar energy in the island.
(MacEwanUniversity)