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The University of New Brunswick is advancing its leadership position in transformative learning with the official launch of the Centre for Learning Futures (CLF) and a new partnership with the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce.

“This is an exciting moment for UNB,” said Dr. Paul J. Mazerolle, president and vice chancellor of UNB. “The Centre for Learning Futures strengthens our ability to deliver flexible, career‑relevant learning that helps people upskill, boosts workforce productivity and supports a more competitive economy. I’m proud of the CLF team and colleagues across UNB for their commitment to lifelong learning and for bringing this vision to life.”

In 2025, the CLF at UNB restructured to integrate and strengthen the collective expertise of teams formerly part of the College of Extended Learning, the Centre for Enhanced Teaching and Learning, Saint John College, Experiential Education, the UNB Centre for Musical Arts, the UNB Art Centre and the English Language Programme.

Guided by the leadership of Dr. Shelley Rinehart, associate vice provost of the CLF, the portfolio is now comprised of four core units dedicated to supporting UNB’s academic and strategic growth priorities:

• UNB Online - expanding access to high-quality education through academic online programming, professional development, executive education, micro-credentialing, supporting expansion of academic and professional offerings and opening doors to a broader, more diverse group of learners across communities.
  
  
• Transformative Teaching and Learning – fostering a hub for inclusive, innovative teaching practices, professional development and the advancement of evidence-based pedagogical best practices.
  
  
• Language and Leisure Learning – strengthening community engagement and personal development through cultural, artistic and educational programming.
• Experiential Education - connecting classroom learning with real-world experience through internships, co-ops, case studies and other opportunities for students to apply learning to practice.

As part of the launch, UNB and the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce have announced a new partnership to explore the professional development needs of members and the broader labour force, informing expansion of career‑relevant learning pathways, micro‑credentials and professional development opportunities.

“Fredericton’s future is deeply connected to the strength of our knowledge industry,” said Morgan Peters, CEO of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce. “As our region continues to grow, access to flexible, career-relevant learning and upskilling opportunities is essential for both employers and employees. This partnership with the University of New Brunswick’s Centre for Learning Futures represents an important step in building the talent pipeline our business community needs to remain competitive and drive sustainable economic growth.”

"Working together on meaningful, practical solutions to challenges within our region and beyond has always been a driving force for me,” said Dr. Rinehart. “The CLF was intentionally designed to be accessible, relevant and responsive to what learners need. We’re thrilled to partner with the Chamber to strengthen professional learning opportunities within our region.”

Recently named the number one university in Atlantic Canada in TIME magazine’s 2026 World’s Top Universities rankings, the new CLF further reinforces UNB’s contribution to innovative learning for community impact.

Learn more about the Centre for Learning Futures.

Media contacts

Kathleen McLaughlin
Digital Content Writer
University of New Brunswick
media@unb.ca

Ashley Dearing
Marketing & Communications Manager
Fredericton Chamber of Commerce
marketing@frederictonchamber.ca