Our Vice-President

Melanie J. Stewart, PhD, UBC Vice-President, External Relations

As Vice President, External Relations, Melanie leads university communications; government relations; campus and community planning; ceremonies and events, and broad-based engagement with communities.

Before joining UBC, Melanie held a number of executive positions with the Province of British Columbia, the last of which being Associate Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Education and Child Care. She was a member of corporate executive in the BC Public Service for over 10 years, holding impactful portfolios in the Ministry of Small Business and Revenue, the Climate Action Secretariat (Office of the Premier), the Ministry of Advanced Education, the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, the Ministry of Children and Family Development, the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, the Public Service Agency, and the Gender Equity Office (Ministry of Finance).

Prior to working in the public service, Melanie taught courses and presented in political science and communications at York University, the University of Victoria and Royal Roads University. She holds a PhD in Political Science (political theory), an MA in Women’s Studies from York University and a BA in Political Science from the University of Victoria. She continues to be a passionate advocate for education and its potential to change people’s lives and advance human civilization.

Although born in New Zealand, Melanie grew up in a variety of small towns in British Columbia and is the proud mother of a Gen Z daughter and son. Her interests include yoga, politics and culture, and jazz music.