Bill Flanagan

Bill Flanagan became the 14th president and vice-chancellor of the University of Alberta in July 2020. 

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Born and raised in Alberta, he has been recognized for his transformative and entrepreneurial leadership throughout his career. That has been evident during his time with the U of A, which includes the work to create an entirely new university-wide operating model that repositioned the university for long-term success. 

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President Flanagan has dedicated his presidency to expanding the U of A’s impact within Canada and internationally. He was instrumental in developing the university’s strategic plan, Shape 2023-2033, which details ambitious goals for growth in enrolment and research. 

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Prior to his appointment at the U of A, President Flanagan served as dean of law from 2005 to 2019 at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. Through his transformative vision during his tenure, he led major initiatives that elevated the delivery of education in law, including the establishment of the faculty’s PhD program and the founding of the Centre for Law in the Contemporary Workplace. 

President Flanagan also currently serves as Chair of the Worldwide Universities Network.  

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He holds a B.A. (English and Philosophy) from Carleton University, a JD from the University of Toronto, a DEA in International Economic Law from Université Paris I-Sorbonne, and an LLM from Columbia University.  

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He joined the Faculty of Law at Queen’s University in 1991. In 2001, he founded the faculty’s International Law Program at the Queen’s University Bader International Study Centre at Herstmonceux Castle in the U.K. His scholarly work spans property law, corporate law, and international trade law.