University of Waterloo Appoints Feridun Hamdullahpur to Second Term as President

WATERLOO, ON--(Marketwired - June 22, 2016) - The Board of Governors has reappointed Feridun Hamdullahpur as president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo for a second term, beginning July 1, 2017. He will serve in the role until June 30, 2021.

"I am delighted with this announcement," said Chancellor Tom Jenkins. "Waterloo benefits greatly from Feridun's strategic initiatives, wisdom and passion for all aspects of this University's mandate. I look forward to working with him to support his efforts to achieve the ambitions and potential of this exceptional institution."

Hamdullahpur was appointed president and vice-chancellor on March 11, 2011.

"The growth and success of the last five years under Feridun's leadership has not just built the foundation for rapid progress, it has generated momentum that is moving us toward our ultimate goal -- to be recognized and celebrated as one of the world's top innovation universities," said William Watson, chair of the board.

In his first term as president, Hamdullahpur initiated efforts to raise Waterloo's international profile and enhanced the learning experience of students with a range of projects to expand social, study, dining and recreation spaces on campus. Hamdullahpur led the development and implementation of Waterloo's Strategic Plan, through broad consultation, detailed planning and a robust accountability framework.

Hamdullahpur has made significant progress in advancing the university's reputation, both nationally and internationally. He currently serves as chair of Canada's U15 association of research intensive universities, and is one of only ten university presidents worldwide championing the UN Women's HeForShe IMPACT 10x10x10 gender equity initiative.

"I am deeply honoured to be invited to serve a second term at the University of Waterloo and am grateful to have the opportunity to work with such a broad range of academic, administrative, student and community leaders as the University enters its 60th year," said Feridun Hamdullahpur. "Building on the progress and momentum stemming from our current strategic plan, I am committed to building the future framework and support for the University of Waterloo to lead the world in innovation -- in academics and teaching, experiential education, entrepreneurship and high impact research."

Hamdullahpur's reappointment is supported by a recommendation from a nominating committee and approved by the Board of Governors on the recommendation of the Senate. The committee consulted broadly with the university community, both internally and externally, and determined that there was widespread commitment to the president's goals and support for his ambitions for the university.

Hamdullahpur is a professor of mechanical engineering and served as vice-president, academic and provost at Waterloo from 2009 to 2010. He previously served as provost and vice-president (academic) and as vice-president of research and international at Carleton University in Ottawa.

About the University of Waterloo

University of Waterloo is Canada's top innovation university. With more than 36,000 students we are home to the world's largest co-operative education system of its kind. Our unmatched entrepreneurial culture, combined with an intensive focus on research, powers one of the top innovation hubs in the world. Find out more at uwaterloo.ca

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