Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
February 16, 2004
Mancuso named provost, vice-president (academic)
The University of Guelph’s executive committee of the Board of Governors has appointed Prof. Maureen Mancuso provost and vice-president (academic). Her five-year term begins March 1.
“I am very pleased,” said president Alastair Summerlee, chair of the selection committee that recommended Mancuso’s appointment. “Prof. Mancuso has an outstanding record of distinction in scholarship, teaching and administration, and she received strong support from the community for her candidacy. Her optimistic, flexible and collaborative approach will be a huge asset to the university as we meet the challenges ahead. I have no doubt that she will help us maintain Guelph’s position as Canada’s number one comprehensive university and improve our standing internationally.”
Mancuso will be the first woman in U of G’s history to hold this position. A political scientist, she earned a bachelor’s degree from McMaster University, a master’s degree from Carleton University and a D. Phil from Nuffield College, Oxford University, where she was a British Council Fellow. Mancuso served as chair of U of G’s Department of Political Science from 1996 to 2000 and was appointed associate vice-president (academic) in 2000. For the past year, she has been acting provost and vice-president (academic).
Mancuso said she is “humbled and thrilled” by her appointment. “I would like to thank the university community for extending this privilege to me and I look forward to working with the faculty, students, staff, alumni, administrators, board members and friends of the university in this new capacity.”
U of G librarian Tim Sauer, a member of the selection committee and past president of the faculty association, said Mancuso “can do an excellent job for the university’s faculty and library. She has tremendous ability and energy and has demonstrated her commitment to our students, faculty and staff.”
The selection committee’s recommendation follows an extensive international search over the last 10 months and the review of a number of excellent candidates. From a diverse pool of individuals, the selection committee presented two candidates to the university community for public scrutiny.
The final decision was reached after thoroughly reviewing input from the university community, public presentations by the candidates, interview sessions, reference checks and correspondence, Summerlee said. He added the committee was very impressed with the input received from faculty, staff, students and alumni.
Summerlee also thanked the members of the selection committee for their outstanding commitment to the search process and for the time and effort involved.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53338, or Rachelle Cooper, (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982.
