It is with great enthusiasm that I announce the appointment of Dr. Has Malik as Provost and Vice President, Academic at George Brown College, effective January 5, 2026, reporting to me. The roles of Provost and Vice President, Academic were previously separate positions and will now be combined under one academic leader.
Has brings nearly three decades of distinguished experience in higher education leadership, a proven record of academic innovation, and a deep commitment to student success, equity, and community engagement. Has joins us from Saskatchewan Polytechnic where he has most recently served as Provost and Vice President, Academic since 2018. In this role, Has was responsible for all aspects of academic programming, student services, applied research, teaching and learning, international education, and Indigenous strategy. Under his leadership, the institution launched its first-ever Academic Plan, Innovation in Action 2021-26, and the nationally recognized Surge Micro-Credentials platform. He also played a pivotal role in securing more than $200 million in government investment for a new state-of-the-art Saskatoon campus and led the "It's Time to Rise" capital campaign, which has raised over $70 million to date.
As Chair of the Pan-Canadian Micro-Credential Standards Committee, Has led the development of a national framework adopted by Colleges and Institutes Canada, advancing innovative approaches to lifelong learning. His leadership also brought Saskatchewan its first Technology Access Centre for applied research in data analytics, AI, and IoT, helping position the province as a growing hub for digital innovation.
Has' earlier career at Sheridan College included serving as Associate Vice President, Academic Pathways and Planning, and as Founding Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. At Sheridan, he oversaw academic planning, developed new degrees and postgraduate programs, and forged landmark partnerships with industry and universities, including the University of Toronto and York University, that expanded student pathways and collaboration.
Has holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Arts in English Literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Bachelor of Arts from Davidson College, North Carolina. He also earned an Applied Information Technology Post-Graduate Diploma with distinction, and is a certified Institute of Corporate Directors, Director (ICD.D).
Has is known for his collaborative leadership, strategic foresight, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. He received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (2022) for his commitment and work in higher education, as well as in the community and the creative sector.
Has brings a strong commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and Indigenization in education, fostering partnerships with industry, and creating learning environments that prepare students for meaningful, future-focused careers.
Please join me in warmly welcoming Has to the George Brown College community. We are excited to work with him as we continue to shape an inclusive, innovative, and student-centred future for our College.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gervan Fearon
President
