Jennifer Myers, director of Sport and Recreation at York University, has been named the new president of Ontario University Athletics (OUA). The concurrent appointment is effective immediately.
She replaces outgoing OUA president Gord Grace from the University of Windsor who recently completed his term.
Jennifer Myers
Myers has served as the director of Sport & Recreation at York University since August 2008. During her short tenure, the Lions have won two Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) men’s soccer championships, three OUA titles in women’s soccer, men’s tennis and women’s volleyball, and numerous medals at the OUA and CIS track and field championships.
As York’s director of Sport & Recreation, Myers oversees the operation of 19 Lions interuniversity sport teams, one of the largest intramural programs in Ontario, more than 30 sport clubs, campus recreation, the Tait McKenzie Centre and the Gorman/Shore Sport Injury Clinic. In her four years at the helm, she has led the department through significant change in management and structure.
“I am excited about the opportunity to continue the tremendous work started by Gord and the OUA Board of Directors, which has set the OUA on a positive course for the future,” said Myers. “It is a privilege to be asked to serve as the president of one of the strongest conferences in the CIS. Our member institutions offer a student-athlete experience that is second to none and I look forward to working with all of our members to ensure the OUA remains strong.”
A long-serving member of the CIS, OUA and AUS sport committees, Myers came to York from St. Thomas University in Fredericton, NB, where she served as the director of athletics from 2005-2008. While there, she earned the role of president of the Atlantic Colleges Athletic Association (ACAA) and was a representative of the Canadian Colleges Athletic national eligibility committee and the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) national program committee.
Myers was the lead in bringing a new stadium for the 2015 Pan American Games to York, and she is also currently serving as the chair of the sport technical committee for the 2012 Ontario Summer Games.
“Jennifer is a proven leader who will bring experience and passion to the role of OUA President,” added OUA executive director Ward Dilse. “I look forward to working closely alongside Jenn to help strengthen our OUA brand and our organization starting next season.”
Myers graduated from York University with a bachelor of physical education degree and a certificate in sports administration. She continued her education at Western University, where she received a master of arts in sports management.