Published by Communications and Public Affairs 519 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338

News Release

August 31, 2005

Vice-Provost for Guelph-Humber Named

Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning and the University of Guelph have named a new vice-provost to head the University of Guelph-Humber.

Prof. John Walsh, who recently completed his term as associate dean of Guelph’s Faculty of Management, was appointed for a five-year term. As vice-provost (chief academic officer), he will oversee academic and administrative endeavours for the University of Guelph-Humber, which is a joint initiative between the two partnering institutions.

The only one of its kind, Guelph-Humber enables students to earn an integrated university honours degree and college diploma in four years. Located in a state-of-the-art $45-million facility on the Humber campus, the institution serves some 1,800 students and will graduate its first class next June.

“I am very pleased with this appointment,” said U of G president Alastair Summerlee. “Prof. Walsh has an outstanding record of distinction in scholarship, teaching and administration. His congenial, collaborative and creative approach will be a huge asset to the University of Guelph-Humber as we meet the challenges ahead.”

Humber president Robert A. Gordon added: “Prof. Walsh’s background and experience in both the college and university environments position him perfectly for this new and important role. I have no doubt he will be successful in working with our faculty, staff and students in moving Guelph-Humber forward.”

Walsh’s selection follows an extensive search that included public presentations, interview sessions and input from the Humber, Guelph and Guelph-Humber communities. He will start at Guelph-Humber Oct. 15 for a transition period, and his term officially begins Jan. 1, 2006. As vice-provost, he will be responsible for the institution’s administrative and financial management, as well as for the design, implementation and marketing of the joint programs.

“It is an honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to join an impressive team of committed educators at the University of Guelph-Humber,” said Walsh. He added the university has had great success due to the “outstanding leadership” of retiring vice-provost Michael Nightingale. “I look forward to playing my role as we continue to build outstanding educational experiences that meet the needs of our students,” Walsh said.

A well-known teacher and consultant on higher education, Walsh first joined the U of G faculty in 1988. In 1993, he moved to British Columbia when he was appointed an adviser, apprenticeship revitalization, with the Ministry of Advanced Education. He also served as acting vice-president, academic, and acting president at Royal Roads University in British Columbia. He returned to U of G in 1997 as director of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Thames Polytechnic in England and an MBA and PhD (business administration) from the University of Western Ontario.

Summerlee and Gordon thanked the members of the selection committee for their outstanding commitment to the search process. Both presidents also thanked Nightingale for his leadership and vision.