Associate Dean Appointment
College of Nursing welcomes Dr. Shehnaz Alidina as associate dean engagement and development.
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Nursing wishes to welcome Dr. Shehnaz Alidina (ScD), associate dean engagement and development.
Dr. Alidina joins USask from Harvard University, where she served as a health delivery systems researcher focused on improving the quality of care, service integration, and the performance of health systems globally. Her research has encompassed global surgery, primary care innovation, and capacity-building initiatives for health providers in low-resource settings.
Dr. Alidina brings with her decades of experience leading strategic health reforms. She previously served as the founding executive director of the Nipissing-Timiskaming District Health Council and the Child Health Network in Canada.
Internationally, Dr. Alidina has spearheaded the planning and development of regionalized health delivery systems in Tajikistan and East Africa.
“We are incredibly lucky to have Dr. Alidina join the College of Nursing,” said Dean Dr. Solina Richter (DCur).
“Her lived experience and scholarly expertise will be instrumental in advancing the college’s commitment to globalization, engagement, development, and inclusive excellence.”
Dr. Alidina holds a Doctor of Science (ScD) and a Master of Public Health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, as well as a Master of Health Administration from the University of Ottawa.
Her scholarship has been recognized with a number of awards including the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs Research Fellowship, the Alice E. Wilson Dissertation Award, and Duke University’s Global Health Fellowship.
Born in Uganda, raised in Canada after living as a refugee in Italy, and having worked across North America, East Africa, and Central Asia, Dr. Alidina brings a truly global perspective to the new associate dean engagement and development position in the College of Nursing.
"It is a privilege to join a college that is deeply invested in shaping the future of nursing and health systems by enhancing globalization efforts, fostering development, strengthening engagement at all levels, and advancing inclusive excellence," said Dr. Alidina.
The associate dean engagement and development is a member of the Dean’s Executive of the College of Nursing. Dr. Alidina will be responsible for overseeing the College's operations, supporting faculty and students, and fostering a positive and inclusive environment. She will play a key role in strategic planning, resource management, and enhancing the college's reputation and success at local, national, and international levels.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Alidina to the University of Saskatchewan, to Saskatoon, and to Saskatchewan!
This appointment is a five-year term beginning May 2025.