Sandra Song
Dr. Sandra Song is Provost and Vice-President, Academic at the University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF), a role she assumed in August 2026. As UNF's chief academic officer, she works closely with President and Vice-Chancellor David Gray and the university's academic leadership team to advance the institution's academic mission, program quality, and student success across UNF's growing portfolio of programs.
Dr. Song brings to UNF an extensive record of academic leadership across Canadian higher education. She most recently served as the founding Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology (FAST) at University Canada West (UCW) from 2024 to 2026, building the faculty's academic portfolio and governance structures from inception, and also held an interim appointment as Dean of the Faculty of Management and Business at University Canada West.
Earlier in her career, Dr. Song chaired the Department of Public Health at Concordia University of Edmonton, and led the Public Policy and Administration graduate programs at Adler University — first as Director and later as Chair on Adler's Chicago campus. Between these roles, she also served as a Senior Government Relations Advisor to Covenant House Vancouver, advising the organization's executive team on youth homelessness policy and government relations.
Before moving into higher education administration, Dr. Song spent eleven years as a policy analyst with the federal government of Canada, work that continues to inform her approach to institutional strategy and public accountability in the academic sector.
A recognized voice in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), assessment literacy, applied learning, and AI workforce readiness, Dr. Song's leadership philosophy centres on preparing students for real careers through rigorous, industry-aligned education. She is a three-time recipient of the Fulbright Community Leadership Program Grant, reflecting her sustained commitment to community-engaged leadership.
Dr. Song's community and public affairs engagement includes board service with S.U.C.C.E.S.S., one of British Columbia's largest multicultural social service agencies, and her role as Canadian Chair of the Fulbright Canada Alumni Advisory Council.
Areas of Academic Leadership
- Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
- Assessment Literacy
- Applied Learning
- AI Workforce Readiness
- Academic Program Quality & Institutional Strategy
- Public Policy and Administration
- Government & Regulatory Relations in Higher Education
Recognition
- Recipient, Fulbright Community Leadership Program Grant (2016, 2017, 2022)
- UCW Presidential Letter of Excellence
- Adler University Executive Dean Award of Excellence
- Deputy Minister Award of Excellence
Community & Public Affairs Leadership
- Board Member, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. (2022–present)
- Canadian Chair, Alumni Advisory Council, Fulbright Canada (2024–present)
- Advisory role, Alliance Public Affairs Group
