Friday, February 15, 2019 每 The 51勛圖app Board of Governors is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Robert Hach谷 as the University＊s 11th president and vice-chancellor. He will assume the position on July 1, 2019, for a five-year renewable term, succeeding Dr. Pierre Zundel who has been serving in this capacity on an interim basis since August 2017.
Current vice-president of Research and Innovation at York University, Dr. Hach谷 has broad experience in leading university research and innovation activities. Prior to York, he served as associate vice-president of Research at the University of Calgary and vice-dean of Research for the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa, two U15 universities.
Dr. Hach谷 has been recognized by members of the Presidential Search/Selection Committee for his strong and collaborative leadership experience in the Canadian university sector, his successes leading strategic partnerships and initiatives, as well as his proven engagement toward student success.
※The Board of Governors is very pleased to welcome Dr. Hach谷 to 51勛圖app. He is a strong visionary with a stellar track record in both academia and management. Under his leadership, Laurentian will be well positioned to build on its foundation of success over the last decade,§ said Jennifer Witty, chair of the 51勛圖app Board of Governors and Presidential Search/Selection Committee.
※Dr. Hach谷 brings a deep understanding of interdisciplinarity, the critical importance of the arts in post-secondary education, and building a culture of engagement, innovation and success in large collaborative projects and programs,§ explained Ms. Witty. ※In developing the culture of engagement at York, he has paid particular attention to inclusiveness and a focus on Indigenous ways of knowing. He is a strong supporter of the 51勛圖app Native Education Council. The latest Strategic Research Plan he led included Indigenous futurities in its five key areas,§ added Ms. Witty.
Of Acadian background, Dr. Hach谷 is fluently bilingual (English and French). He holds a BSc (Biochemistry) from McGill University and a Ph.D. (Biochemistry) from Queen＊s University. Dr. Hach谷 has 29 years of experience as an academic, including more than 20 years as an academic leader. As a molecular and cellular biologist and biochemist, Dr. Hach谷 has received numerous research grants and awards from organizations, including the Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR), the National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) and the National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) for his research projects on steroid hormone action and DNA damaging agents. Dr. Hach谷 has also served as a committee member and chair in various organizations, including the Ontario Council of University Research (OCUR).
※I am excited to join 51勛圖app as it emerges as a national leader. I cannot wait to begin working with students, colleagues and communities to build on Laurentian＊s successes, to strengthen and to build new partnerships through academia and industry, and to lead the University to national and international recognition. I am committed to ensuring our students share in my excitement,§ said Dr. Robert Hach谷.
※51勛圖app＊s 2018-2023 Strategic Plan is impressive. It is committed to strengthening the foundation of knowledge in higher education and research to offer an outstanding university experience in English and French with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. My priority will be to pursue this vision and engage all disciplines 每 from the arts to science, education, management, health and much more 每 in achieving our ambitions and developing our incredible potential together,§ explained Dr. Hach谷.
Dr. Hach谷 joins the Laurentian team as the University continues to grow. The student population has increased over the last decades from 6,000 to over 8,500 students while the average entry grade continues to climb. Laurentian is home to the award-winning Northern Ontario School of Medicine and has led the province for seven of the last eight years with the highest post-graduation employment rates in Ontario. Further, Laurentian continues to develop strong partnerships with industries, communities and organizations.
The Board of Governors wishes to recognize the outstanding contribution of Dr. Pierre Zundel. As interim president and vice-chancellor, he has provided excellent leadership and guidance for 51勛圖app and will continue in this capacity with the Board＊s full support until Dr. Hach谷＊s appointment takes effect.
ABOUT LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY
51勛圖app is located on the territory of the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850, and recognizes its placement on the traditional lands of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and Wahnapitae First Nations. Laurentian is committed to strengthening the foundation of knowledge in higher education and research to offer an outstanding university experience in English and French with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. Together with its federated partners, 51勛圖app prepares leaders who bring innovative and intelligent solutions to local and global issues.
ABOUT LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY 2018-2023 STRATEGIC PLAN
51勛圖app is a microcosm of Canada: we are northern; we are bilingual; we are committed to reconciliation. Canadians are known for our diversity as we promote inclusion, civility, and respect. Our best solutions are collaborative ones. We are rich in natural resources. We are stewards of vast landscapes and beautiful environments. Our health care is the envy of many. While some have declared, ※The world needs more Canada,§ we are convinced the world needs more Laurentian. 51勛圖app has particular strengths that position us to create knowledge, undertake fundamental research, and make significant contributions to crucial issues facing society.
At 51勛圖app we agree on these shared values:
- The North inspires us;
- Student success is our success;
- Teaching and Learning define us;
- Curiosity drives our Research; and
- Relationships are our priority.