Paula Jean Broderick has extensive experience in post-secondary institutions of various sizes across Canada, brings an internationally recognized educational background, and deep knoweldge and expertise spanning the full student journey from recruitment to graduation.
Following an extensive search, Alberta University of the Arts is pleased to announce the appointment of Paula Jean Broderick as Dean, Students, effective June 15, 2026.
As Dean, Paula will provide leadership and strategic oversight of the University’s student affairs portfolio, from recruitment and admissions, academic advising, wellness and counselling, financial aid and awards, and the Lodgepole Center. Additionally, the portfolio oversees all programs, services, policies, and procedures across Student Affairs.
She has served in a variety of roles of increasing leadership capacity in post-secondary institutions of different sizes and locations in British Columbia and Ontario, across areas that have included student recruitment, student orientation and transition, student development and retention, student success and academic supports, international education, residence management, events and engagement, and strategic planning and oversight.
Broderick most recently served as Director, Student Success at Lakehead University, with a diverse portfolio that included student success and development. As part of this role, she redesigned the first-year student experience and led successful engagement strategies. Her work to cultivate a student-centered environment led to positive outcomes in student success and retention through engagement.
AUArts President and CEO Dr. Janis Goldie says, “I am so pleased to welcome Paula Broderick to the AUArts team. For a century, this institution has grown and evolved while always keeping students at its core."
"Paula’s leadership will continue AUArts’ commitment to providing supportive, transformational experiences to students throughout their journey as they explore and build their creative practice as artists, designers and craftspersons.”
- Dr. Janis Goldie
The Dean, Students position is a key member of AUArts leadership, reporting to the President and CEO, and ensuring student experience and engagement is centered throughout the University.
Broderick’s values-driven approach focuses on empowering others, fostering inclusive environments, and stewarding positive culture. Broderick self-describes as being enamoured with stories and incorporates sharing and telling stories into her ways of being and working with students and colleagues. Her depth of experience and steadfast commitment to student engagement will expand the holistic efforts of AUArts staff, faculty and student community to ensure high-quality experiences for emerging creatives.
In anticipation of her start in June, Broderick shares, “Creativity is one of things that connects us all as human beings, and I am delighted to be joining an organization that has developed and cultivated artistic achievement for the past 100 years."
"I am excited to get to know and collaborate with AUArts staff, faculty, and students to continue to strengthen an environment of student success and support where curiosity thrives.”
- Paula Jean Broderick
Broderick is currently pursuing her PhD in Higher Education at Lancaster University. She completed a Master of Education degree in Post-Secondary Leadership from Simon Fraser University and completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Her research interests include student experiences navigating holistic supports, competition and collaboration, and creativity within higher education.
