Mike Whipple (BA '03), Executive Director, President and Provost Offices

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I grew up in Lethbridge and attended high school at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute. I played a single year for the University of Calgary Dinos Football team (95-96) before returning home to attend ULethbridge where I joined the Pronghorn Soccer team (96-97). An interesting note is that I attended kindergarten on campus and while completing this first step in my educational journey I met the legendary Mr. Dressup when he visited campus for a performance! Slightly more significantly, and 20 years later, I also met my wife-to-be on campus while playing intramural basketball.

How long have you been at ULethbridge and what do you do here?
I started working on campus in 1998. I was one of the first members of the Uleth Safewalk program and shortly after I joined the Recreation team working in the Fitness Centre. I held several different positions in Horns Recreation before moving to Pronghorn Athletics as Associate Athletic Director in 2015. I then moved to the President’s Office in 2018.

What's the best part of your job?
I’ve had the good fortune of being challenged in different ways over my 25 years working on campus. I have always enjoyed working with students and doing what I can to help them succeed and to reach their goals. Most recently, in my current role, the best part has been understanding the operations of a university from a broader perspective and better appreciating the multiple facets and complexities of a large institution.

Recently I was gifted a Blackfoot name from Elder Francis First Charger and I am very humbled by this terrific honour. The name gifted to me is Isstsipísimaa’tsis which means ‘Whip’ in English.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
My wife Amy and I have two kids that keep us busy with sports and activities. We enjoy spending time in the mountains, exploring, travelling, and just spending time together as a family.

Lastly, I have been very fortunate to have been a part of the University of Lethbridge for the last 25 years. What I gained initially from my professors as a student and then my colleagues as a staff member is difficult to quantify but I can say without hesitation that the insights and knowledge shared with me have helped form who I am both professionally and personally. I feel extremely privileged to be a part of this institution and I am grateful for the opportunities that have been afforded me.