In March 2020, his appointment was announced as the next president of the University of Alberta, succeeding David H. Turpin in July 2020.
In his teen years, he worked as a page in the Canadian House of Commons, where his maternal uncle Jack Horner was a Member of Parliament.
[12] Shortly after the dispersal of encampment-goers, Bill Flanagan released a May 11th statement citing the possibility of “serious violence” instigated by counter-protestors.
[13] Criticism from across the University of Alberta community against Bill Flanagan were launched as a result of these events.
[14] In response, Bill Flanagan released a May 12th communication acknowledging the criticism but reiterating his belief that the action taken had been necessary.