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As part of the university’s commitments to global engagement, cross-institutional collaboration, and professional development, a group of 20 Queen’s leaders and managers took part in the Matariki Leadership Initiative, a program co-hosted with colleagues from partners in the Matariki Network of Universities, including, Durham University in the United Kingdom, and Otago University in New Zealand.

Spanning four virtual sessions held between November 2024 and June 2025, this knowledge-sharing initiative explored practical aspects of leadership in today’s university environment, including how to navigate complexity, foster team resilience, and apply institutional values in everyday decision-making through three themes: self-awareness, values, and kindness.

“Being an effective leader demands more than operational excellence, it requires a deep connection to values,” says Principal Deane, Principal and Vice-Chancellor. “Initiatives like this one strengthen our capacity to lead with empathy and purpose, while building relationships that extend the university’s impact locally and globally.”

Principal Deane was one of several featured speakers, offering reflections on values-informed leadership as part of the program. The sessions also included a series of workshops and panel discussions, one of which featured Queen’s Vice-Provost and University Librarian Mark Asberg, who joined colleagues from partner institutions to explore the initiative’s core themes. Program participants from Queen’s represented a range of non-academic units and departments, bringing diverse perspectives to the cross-institutional dialogue.

Now in its third year, the leadership initiative is offered through the , an international group of universities that includes Queen’s as a member. At Queen’s, it is supported and co-coordinated through the joint efforts of Human Resources, Organizational Development and Learning, and the Office of the Vice-Provost (Global Engagement), as part of the university’s commitment to providing high-impact professional development opportunities. The program, along with others advanced by the network, also supports Queen’s global engagement strategy by strengthening partnerships with post-secondary institutions committed to global education, research, and sustainable development.

“International partnerships like those fostered through the Matariki Network deepen our connections with peers around the world,” says Sandra den Otter, Vice-Provost (Global Engagement). “They create space for collaboration, reflection, and shared growth among institutions that share common values, and that face similar challenges and opportunities.”

The annual leadership initiative is part of a broader suite of MNU programs focused on research collaboration, student mobility, global citizenship, and knowledge sharing. Building on the success of the leadership program, the network also launched the , a funding opportunity that supports recipients in partnering with colleagues across the network on joint projects that advance the .

Learn more about Queen’s participation with MNU and available opportunities.