Sheila Singleton, a longtime employee of Memorial University, will retire from her position as university registrar on Nov. 24, 2016.

Jennifer Porter has been appointed interim registrar for a one-year term, effective Nov. 25, 2016, or until the role has been permanently filled. Ms. Porter is currently deputy registrar.

Ms. Singleton has held progressively senior roles since her career at Memorial began more than 30 years ago. She came to Memorial’s Department of Computer Science as a faculty member and later moved to the Office of the Registrar but continued to teach for several years. Prior to serving as university registrar, Ms. Singleton held the roles of deputy registrar and associate registrar.

She made many notable contributions to the university over the course of her career. Under her guidance, Memorial was the second university in Canada to introduce automated (telephone) registration in 1989. She served on several pan-university committees and was recognized by Memorial University’s student union with the award for Outstanding Contribution to Student Life.

“I extend my sincere thanks to Ms. Singleton for her leadership and service to Memorial over her extensive and fruitful career, and I wish her all the best in retirement,” said Dr. Noreen Golfman, provost and vice-president (academic). “I also look forward to working with Ms. Porter in the year ahead in this exciting and challenging role.”

Ms. Porter holds a bachelor of commerce degree from Memorial and an MBA from York University. Prior to being appointed deputy registrar, she held the role of assistant registrar and enrolment services manager. Ms. Porter’s appointment was recommended by the provost and approved by the president.

The search for this key leadership role will begin in the coming weeks, and a search committee will be established.