Toronto, Ontario, July 30, 2025 – Yorkville University is proud to announce the appointment of four new senior leaders who will play a pivotal role in shaping the academic and student experience at one of Canada’s largest pan-Canadian private universities.
Yorkville is welcoming Dr. Karen Edge as Dean, Education, Dr. Danelle Kabush as Chair, Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy, Dr. Laura Kinderman as its new Dean, Business (BC), and Deanna McQuarrie, VP, Student & Registrarial Services. Each of these four recent additions underscore Yorkville’s rising profile as a hub for academic excellence and its ongoing commitment to innovation and student-centered education.
“These dynamic leaders bring with them a wealth of experience, innovation and a deep commitment to student success,” said Dr. Julia Christensen Hughes, President and Vice Chancellor of Yorkville University. “Their vision and expertise will be instrumental as we continue to grow, diversify our academic offerings and strengthen our support for students across Canada and beyond.”
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Dr. Karen Edge, a distinguished educator and leader with over 25 years of global experience, joins Yorkville University as our new Dean, Faculty of Education. Currently a faculty member at UCL Institute of Education in London, Karen has led various programs, including UCL’s MBA in Educational Leadership. Her research spans over 35 countries, focusing on educational leadership, diversity, and system-level change. She looks forward to building even stronger collaboration between the Faculty, educators and organisations across the country. Karen holds a PhD from the University of Toronto and is excited to contribute to Yorkville’s inclusive and innovative mission. She will join the university on September 2 at Yorkville’s New Brunswick campus.
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Dr. Danelle Kabush has been appointed Chair of the Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy (DCP) program at Yorkville University. With more than 20 years of experience as an educator, researcher, clinician, and consultant, Danelle brings a diverse background in clinical counselling, sport psychology, and higher education leadership. She has held roles such as Academic Program Director, Capstone Research Coordinator, and Mental Performance Consultant with the Canadian Sport Institute. Danelle holds a PhD in Psychology and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Certified Mental Performance Consultant. She joined Yorkville on July 2 and is committed to fostering a collaborative and student-centered academic environment.
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Dr. Laura Kinderman joins Yorkville University as the new Dean of Business in British Columbia, bringing extensive academic leadership experience from institutions such as Capilano University and Queen’s University. Known for her collaborative and inclusive approach, Laura has led transformative initiatives focused on student-centered learning, industry engagement, and educational innovation. She has overseen diverse faculties, launched programs like Executive in Residence, and developed interdisciplinary teams to support career readiness and access to education. Laura holds a PhD in English, an Executive MBA, and is a Certified Executive Coach. She began her role at Yorkville on July 2 and reports to Statia Elliot, Interim Principal and VP Academic (BC).
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Deanna McQuarrie joins Yorkville University as the new Vice President of Student and Registrarial Services, bringing over 25 years of leadership experience in postsecondary education across Canada and the U.S. Most recently, she served as Vice Provost, Student Experience and Enrolment Management at Sheridan College, where she led student affairs and registrarial services across multiple campuses. Known for her student-first, values-based approach, Deanna has championed access, service innovation, and learner well-being throughout her career. She holds a Master of Science in Education and is currently completing a Doctor of Education in Leadership. Deanna began her role at Yorkville on June 23.
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About Yorkville University:
Yorkville University began with a bold vision: to offer flexible, rigorous, and career-focused programs that transform lives. Since 2004, Yorkville University has expanded to campuses across Canada, offering both online and on-campus programs. Our graduates have advanced their careers through programs in the behavioral sciences, social sciences, business, and creative arts. Yorkville University’s student-centered, practitioner-oriented approach equips graduates with skills that employers value, making us one of Canada’s largest private universities. Learn more at https://www.yorkvilleu.ca/
