UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN
USask appoints Scott Banda as 17th chancellor

"I am honoured and humbled to be stepping into this role," said Banda. "It will be a privilege to represent and champion USask."

As chancellor, Banda, who is currently serving as the 40th chair of the Board of Governors of the Canadian Football League, will preside at university convocation ceremonies, confer degrees, chair University Senate and serve on the USask Board of Governors.

Scott Banda replaces Grit McCreath who has served in this role since July 1, 2019. (Photo: Submitted)
 

"USask is a cornerstone of our community, and a critical institution in the city, province, country and world," said Banda who earned degrees from USask Colleges of Arts and Science and Law. "The opportunity to be

involved and contribute to the success of the institution is what really excites me. A guiding principle for me has been to contribute to my community and to leave things better than I found them."

Banda built a 32-year career as an innovative leader of major organizations and corporations and has been a lifelong supporter of USask. Born and raised in Saskatchewan, he began his 20-year tenure with Federated Co-Operatives Limited (FCL) in 2002, leading legal affairs before being promoted to vice-president and then serving 12 years as FCL's chief executive officer until retiring in May of 2022.

"My time at USask, the education I received and the connections and friends I made, set me up for a life and a career I never could have dreamed," said Banda. "USask provided me with opportunities I never imagined. It helped shape my career, life and family. I will be forever grateful for what it has provided, and am so honoured to be in this position to give something back."

Banda was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for Industry and Commerce in 2023, as well as the Co-operative Merit Award for Lifetime Co-operative Achievement. He was also named an Alumni of Influence by USask's College of Arts and Science in 2016 and honoured by Saskatchewan Business Magazine as one of Saskatchewan's people of influence in 2013. A longtime resident of Saskatoon and a proud supporter of the community and the university, Banda's wife Tracy, his two daughters, and his three sisters all studied at USask.

"Scott Banda brings exceptional executive experience and a remarkable track record of success into this prestigious role as a public representative of the University of Saskatchewan," said USask President Peter Stoicheff. "Scott and his family have long been proud supporters of the university and the qualities that he brings both personally and professionally to this position will serve the university well."

Banda replaces Grit McCreath who has served in this role since July 1, 2019.

"I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Grit McCreath for her service as the university's chancellor over the past six years," Stoicheff said. "Grit has been a tremendous advocate for her alma mater, advancing the reputation of the University of Saskatchewan provincially, nationally and internationally. She has helped to energize our campaign to Be the University the World Needs. It has been my honour and privilege to work alongside her."