Today, Lysa Porth officially assumes the role of dean of the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics at the University of Guelph.

A respected scholar, industry liaison and administrator, Porth is known for being strategic, inclusive and results-oriented, and an advocate for teaching and research.

Porth was previously associate dean of strategic partnerships and administration in the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba and the director and department head of the Actuarial Science Department in the school’s Warren Centre for Actuarial Studies.

“Dr. Porth’s experience and vision reflect the Lang School’s mission and values,” said President Charlotte Yates. “Lysa understands the role and importance of ethical business in making a positive impact and is known for uniting people around common goals. She is an excellent choice to lead our business school forward and position it for future growth.”

Porth’s wide-ranging research includes a focus on insurance and reinsurance applications for agriculture and weather risks, including product design and pricing, as well as risk modelling and business analytics.

“I look forward to working with faculty, staff, students and members of the community to make a significant and meaningful contribution to the advancement of the school and the University, particularly around the shared mindset of community, sustainability and entrepreneurial spirit,” says Porth.

One of her first priorities as dean is to develop a data-driven action plan to improve diversity and inclusion across the School.

“Diversity strengthens communities and businesses,” says Porth. “We have an opportunity to use our voice to promote diversity and create a representative, welcoming, and engaging community for learning, teaching, researching and working.”

This action plan supports President Charlotte Yates announcement of a University-wide plan to address racism on campus and promote anti-racism efforts.

As associate professor in U of Manitoba’s Asper School of Business, Porth holds the Guy Carpenter Research Chair in Agricultural Risk Management and Insurance, which encourages and strengthens national and global public- and private-sector partnerships.

Porth earned her bachelor’s, MBA and PhD degrees from the University of Manitoba, and also has worked for Canada Life and the City of Winnipeg.