Dr. Alastair Summerlee is the Designated Official
Representative of the President for Royal Roads University
and a distinguished academic leader with more than four
decades of experience in higher education leadership,
institutional governance, research, and international
collaboration across Canada and the United Kingdom.
He currently provides academic leadership and oversight
for the Royal Roads University Ras Al Khaimah campus,
ensuring that programs, teaching, and quality assurance
processes remain aligned with Royal Roads University
standards and academic expectations.
DDr. Summerlee previously served as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guelph for eleven years, where he led the institution’s academic, financial, and strategic direction. Prior to this, he served as Provost and Vice-President (Academic) and Dean of Graduate Studies at the University of Guelph. He also served as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Carleton University.
Earlier in his academic career, Dr. Summerlee was a tenured Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Guelph and Veterinary Pre-Clinical Dean at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom. His contributions to higher education have extended beyond institutional leadership into provincial, national, and international governance and policy development.
He has chaired several major organizations and advisory bodies, including the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO), the Council of Ontario Universities, the Ontario Universities Application Centre, and World University Service of Canada (WUSC), where he oversaw international development initiatives across multiple countries.
Dr. Summerlee has also contributed to international higher education planning initiatives, including work associated with the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST).
His career reflects extensive expertise in academic governance, curriculum innovation, fundraising, institutional strategy, and quality assurance. Over the years, he has supported significant university development initiatives and has been recognized with numerous honours for his contributions to higher education and public service, including the United Nations International Quality of Life Award Laureate and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award.
Dr. Summerlee has also contributed to Dr. Summerlee holds a PhD from the University of Bristol Faculty of Science, a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), Membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS), and a Bachelor of Science (Honours), all from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom. He has also received honorary distinctions including a Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) and Fellowship in the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (FCAHS).
