Effective Sept. 1, Melanie Stewart is the University of British Columbia’s vice-president of external relations. Previously Dr. Stewart held the position of associate deputy minister in the ministry of education and child care, in the BC provincial government. She has also held several other senior positions with other government departments, including the ministry of agriculture, the ministry of community, sport and cultural development, the ministry of children and family development, the ministry of mental health and addictions, the public service agency, the gender equity office, and the ministry of education and child care.