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Campus Bulletin
March 08, 2002
Rozanski declines to stand for third term, selection process for next president begins
Simon Cooper, chair of the University's Board of Governors, informed the board Thursday that despite his best efforts to persuade President Mordechai Rozanski to consider standing for a third term, Rozanski has decided he will not seek to continue beyond his second five-year term, which ends Aug. 31, 2003. Rozanski indicated that he was "honoured by this invitation," but strongly supports the University policy that states a president may normally hold office for no more than two consecutive terms. "First-class universities benefit from leadership renewal at regular intervals," Rozanski said. "I feel privileged to have served this great University for close to a decade and am proud to have worked with such terrific faculty, staff, students, alumni and board members. I have great confidence in Guelph's future."
Rozanski, appointed in 1993, is the University's longest-serving president and a tenured faculty member in the Department of History. While he is considering various possibilities, his current plan is to take a period of leave after his term ends and then return to teaching and scholarship. In the interim, he will continue to focus actively on the University's priority areas. These include advocating for increased public investment in universities, planning for student enrolment growth through the renewal of faculty and staff and facilities, and completing the capital campaign. He will also continue his work as chair of the Council of Ontario Universities.
Cooper told the board he is greatly disappointed that Rozanski has decided not to seek a third term, but expressed appreciation for the president's exemplary leadership and many achievements. Cooper praised Rozanski for "the overall impressive enhancement of the quality and reputational standing of our University during challenging times" and indicated there would be other opportunities to more fully recognize Rozanski's contributions.
As a result of Rozanski's decision, and in accordance with established policies and procedures, Cooper has initiated the establishment of a Presidential Selection Committee to conduct a search and make a recommendation to the board, which is ultimately responsible for appointing a president under the University of Guelph Act. Cooper has asked that the process of striking a selection committee begin immediately to ensure that a successor will be in place by the late summer of 2003.
