Feridun Hamdullahpur named president of U. of Waterloo
University of Waterloo
March 24, 2011
Feridun Hamdullahpur has been appointed the sixth president of the University of Waterloo.
His appointment was approved Friday by the university’s senate and board of governors and announced by Robert Harding, chair of the board and chair of the presidential nominating committee.
"Dr. Hamdullahpur brings to the University of Waterloo presidency a deep appreciation of and commitment to what is unique about this institution at this important time in its history," said Harding. "He is an academic leader who is driven by a passion for both teaching and research and a genuine desire to demonstrate how quality education can change society and the lives of individuals."
Feridun Hamdullahpur came to Waterloo as a seasoned academic leader with more than 34 years of university teaching, research and leadership experience. Since his appointment as vice-president, academic and provost and then as interim president, Waterloo has been the beneficiary of his vision, talents and engaging intellect. As vice-president, academic and provost and as interim president, Hamdullahpur has demonstrated commitment to the university's various constituencies, including Waterloo’s students, faculty, staff, alumni and many partners.
During his term as vice-president, academic and provost at Waterloo, he spearheaded several initiatives focused on students, which have prompted organizational changes and development of plans designed to lead to excellence in student success and experience at Waterloo. Similarly, with respect to teaching and research excellence, initiatives are being put in place so that Waterloo is on a trajectory to meet the goals set out in its Sixth Decade Plan.
As interim president since October 2010, Hamdullahpur has actively pursued initiatives already underway to build on the successful fundraising campaign led by Waterloo's past president, David Johnston. Hamdullahpur is committed to continuing the sixth decade journey of pursuing global excellence and seizing opportunities for Canada.
Hamdullahpur is "known by our principal donors, our Waterloo Region community, provincial and federal ministers, and our national and international academic partners," Harding said. "I know our students, faculty and staff will benefit from the wisdom, vision and energy that Feridun will bring to the Waterloo enterprise," said Waterloo Chancellor Prem Watsa.
